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Dualsun Solar Batteries Powering Green Atrium Living Above Rome’s Archaeological Heritage

Authors:
Sofya Barannik, Vitalia Son
Dualsun Solar Batteries Powering Green Atrium Living Above Rome’s Archaeological Heritage

Project in-detail

Set against Rome's archaeological backdrop, the integration of DualSun solar batteries and green atrium spaces redefines communal living for students and professors, creating a sustainable and functional residential complex.
5 key facts about this project
01
The complex is positioned directly above an archaeological site, integrating history with modern living.
02
Each student unit measures approximately 15 m², promoting efficient use of space.
03
The professors’ block features a ten-storey design with an open green atrium, enhancing communal interaction.
04
The use of DualSun solar batteries supports energy production and water heating.
05
Social spaces like a lectorium and museum foster connections between residents and the broader community.

RE-STORIA represents a significant achievement in co-living design, located in the center of Rome. It aims to meet the housing needs of students and professors at Sapienza University, while connecting modern living spaces with the city's historical context. Positioned above an archaeological site, the design opens up a conversation between ancient and contemporary elements and contributes positively to the urban environment.

Design Concept

The concept centers on creating a layered living experience that respects historical assets. The layout consists of three buildings that serve different user groups. Student accommodations are designed as low-cost units, each around 15 m², and include shared facilities like co-working spaces, a gym, and communal living areas. This setup encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of community among residents.

Spatial Organization

The professors’ building stands out as a ten-storey tower featuring an open green atrium. These units are larger, about 25 m² each, which provides a more spacious living environment. This separation ensures that both students and professors have their specific needs addressed. The design carefully balances private spaces with communal facilities to create a supportive living arrangement that benefits both groups.

Community Integration

A vital aspect of the design includes various social spaces located on the lower levels of the complex. These areas house a lectorium, coworking offices, a museum, and even a swimming pool. This integration helps connect the university community with public spaces, promoting collaboration and engagement. It invites interaction not only among residents but also between the university and the city.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a key principle in the design, employing advanced systems to reduce gas consumption for heating and electricity use for lighting. The project includes DualSun solar batteries that generate electricity and integrate heat exchangers to pre-heat tap water. Additionally, a human-centric lighting management system adapts lighting based on user needs, contributing to energy efficiency and overall comfort.

The exterior of RE-STORIA combines modern design features while reflecting the historical character of Rome, creating a cohesive look that respects the surroundings. The result is a thoughtful approach to urban living, grounded in sustainability and community engagement.

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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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