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Concrete Foundation with Steel Framework for Cohousing Community

Author:
Jeremy Vromant
Concrete Foundation with Steel Framework for Cohousing Community
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Built upon a concrete foundation and framed with light steel, the development reimagines an unfinished sports complex into a multifunctional cohousing community designed to promote sustainable living and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concrete base incorporates the remnants of an unfinished sports complex.
02
Light steel framework allows for modular living unit configurations.
03
Units designed for flexibility, ranging from 24 to 144 square meters.
04
External circulation promotes privacy while encouraging community interaction.
05
Terraces serve as both private and communal spaces for residents.

The project centers around the adaptive reuse of the Sports City complex in Rome, originally intended for the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the 2009 World Aquatics Championship. Due to economic difficulties, construction was halted, leaving behind a concrete base and a light steel structure. The new design aims to transform this incomplete site into a community that combines living spaces, educational facilities, and commercial areas.

Design Concept

The main idea is to convert the unfinished complex into a cohesive living community. The design emphasizes sustainability and encourages social interaction among residents. By repurposing the existing structures, the project seeks to address urban challenges, specifically the overcrowding and housing shortages faced in Rome.

Modularity and Flexibility

A notable aspect of the design is its focus on modularity. The living units are designed to cater to different family sizes and lifestyles. These units can range from a minimum of 24 square meters to a maximum of 144 square meters. This flexibility allows residents to modify their living spaces as their needs change over time, making the community adaptable and functional.

Spatial Configuration

The layout is designed for efficient movement while promoting connections among residents. External walkways provide access to the units while maintaining privacy. Each living space includes essential areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, workspaces, and terraces. This configuration ensures that the units serve practical needs while allowing for social interactions within the community.

Integration with Existing Structures

The design makes use of the existing concrete and steel components, blending the old with the new. While the specific materials for future construction are not mentioned, the framework left from the previous design provides a strong foundation. The intention is to create a cohesive narrative that respects the original site while enhancing its utility for contemporary living.

Each modular unit features terraces that serve as extensions of private and shared spaces. This invites outdoor activities and encourages socializing among residents, contributing to a more vibrant community atmosphere.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
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