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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

Project in-detail

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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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
competition now

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