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Concrete Foundation with Steel Framework for Cohousing Community

Author:
Jeremy Vromant
Concrete Foundation with Steel Framework for Cohousing Community

Project in-detail

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 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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