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Cylindrical CLT Towers Promoting Community Living in Urban Rome

Author:
Barrett Peterson
Cylindrical CLT Towers Promoting Community Living in Urban Rome
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Utilizing a cylindrical form and cross laminated timber, the design integrates flexible living units and communal spaces to foster a vibrant co-living environment in urban Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for a range of living configurations tailored to diverse resident needs.
02
A cylindrical shape enhances structural stability while optimizing urban space usage.
03
Cross-laminated timber significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the construction.
04
Central circulation promotes easy access and fosters community interaction among residents.
05
Shared amenities are incorporated on each floor to encourage social engagement and collaboration.

The project features Modular Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) construction for co-living towers in Rome. It addresses the growing need for urban housing by providing flexible living solutions that encourage sustainability and community interaction. The design integrates modular units within a cylindrical shape, allowing for varied living configurations and making efficient use of limited space in an urban setting.

Design Concept

The focus is on modular living units that can adapt to different family sizes and preferences. Configurations range from single-bedroom units to larger, interconnected floor plates. The cylindrical form adds visual appeal while allowing for height variations that harmonize with the surrounding architecture. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes a respectful relationship with the existing urban landscape.

Circulation and Community

A central circulation system underpins the layout, making it easy for residents to move throughout the building. This design fosters interaction and encourages social connections among residents. Shared amenities are strategically located on each floor, providing places for residents to gather and engage in communal activities. These spaces are essential for building a sense of community, offering opportunities for socialization in a modern living environment.

Material Selection

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is the primary material used, selected for its sustainability and structural advantages. The facade incorporates two layers of dimensional wood planks along with mineral wool insulation and three additional layers of wood planks. Wall construction consists of three layers of dimensional wood planks, mineral wool insulation, and plywood sheathing. This material choice aligns with the project’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact while ensuring structural integrity.

Spatial Experience

The design thoughtfully combines private and communal areas to cater to various social experiences. It allows residents to move between secluded living spaces and shared amenities easily. This arrangement supports both personal privacy and community engagement. The project promotes a balanced lifestyle, where residents can enjoy both their personal space and opportunities for social interaction in a shared living environment.

Overall, the modular setup of living units and communal areas results in a cohesive living space. This design effectively ties into the urban fabric of Rome, encouraging residents to connect with each other and the city itself.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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