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Detachable Living Units Above a Revitalized Gas Collector

Authors:
Liang Yiwen, Zhang Mingyan
Detachable Living Units Above a Revitalized Gas Collector

Project in-detail

Detachable living units on a repurposed gas collector enhance urban adaptability and community interaction, redefining residential experiences in Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Detachable units allow flexible relocation within the urban landscape.
02
The site reuses an abandoned gas collector, integrating historical context.
03
Balconies are created from retracted space after unit relocation.
04
Public amenities include gardens, dining areas, and workspaces to foster community.
05
Vertical circulation enhances accessibility between residential and public spaces.

The project located in Rome offers a new approach to urban living designed for young residents. It emphasizes flexibility and movement, enabling people to immerse themselves in different experiences throughout the city. Several large and small sites have been created, allowing modular living units that can be moved according to individual needs. This design encourages adaptation and interaction, playing a part in revitalizing the historical urban landscape.

Design Concept

The primary idea behind the design is mobility. Each modular residential unit is equipped with a moving device that allows it to detach and travel to various locations in the city. When it is time to relocate, the device extends, enabling the unit to connect with aerial transport. Once it reaches its new site, the device retracts, transforming the remaining area into a balcony. This flexibility promotes both personal choice and connection to the surrounding community.

Public Engagement

Public spaces play a vital role in the overall scheme. They are designed to foster social interactions among residents. Areas such as roof gardens, dining spots, and workspaces are included to facilitate communal activities. Corridors link these public areas to the living units, ensuring easy access and encouraging a sense of community among the residents. This arrangement enhances the lived experience and reinforces social ties.

Site Integration

An important aspect of the design is its relationship with the surroundings. The project reuses an abandoned gas collector, preserving its existing structure while incorporating new elements. Stairs and elevators connect various levels, providing access to both public and private spaces. This integration creates pathways for movement and interaction, enhancing the overall livability of the location.

Architectural Detail

The focus on adaptability within the historical context of Rome allows for a fresh take on modern living. By prioritizing functionality alongside visual harmony, the design reshapes how urban residents experience their environment. The commitment to creating a framework that allows for personal expression and community engagement stands out, making urban life more vibrant and connected.

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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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