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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
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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 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.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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