Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Living Spaces Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete

Authors:
Chao han Lin, Yi ting Tsai
Elevated Living Spaces Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete

Project in-detail

Crafted using charred wooden shingles and reinforced concrete, this elevated living environment reimagines urban space by integrating robotics and green infrastructure to serve as a sustainable community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the design enhances durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels offers greater structural efficiency and sustainability in construction methods.
03
Incorporating robotics within the living spaces challenges conventional notions of human-centric design in urban environments.
04
The bent A-frame design promotes optimal airflow and natural lighting, reducing reliance on artificial climate control.
05
Elevated structures allow for integrated green spaces that support biodiversity and ecological sustainability in urban settings.
The architectural project titled "Rome Collective Living Without Human Beings" delves into an innovative vision of urban living, exploring the evolving relationship between technology, nature, and society. Set against the historical backdrop of Rome, this design conceptualizes a future where traditional human habitation is supplanted by robotic entities, sculpting a new mode of existence in a city steeped in history and cultural significance. This project embodies a complex narrative that engages with contemporary themes of environmental stewardship, technological integration, and urban resilience.

Central to the project's identity is its exploration of symbiosis between artificial entities and natural ecosystems. The design reflects a philosophical inquiry rooted in the potential for a harmonious coexistence. As urban landscapes shift in response to climate change and population pressures, the architecture seeks to redefine spaces where robots fulfill roles historically occupied by humans. This forward-thinking approach not only presents a compelling commentary on changing societal dynamics but also prompts reflections on the impacts of human activity on the environment.

The design proposes elevated living structures that rise above the ground, leaving ample space for green areas and ecosystems below. These structures feature a modern aesthetic that pays homage to Roman architectural traditions through arched forms while simultaneously embracing minimalist elements that convey a sense of cleanliness and clarity. Each structure serves a dual purpose, providing both living and community spaces for the robotic inhabitants and fostering a collaborative living environment.

Key architectural components include cylindrical bases that support high-rise platforms, creating a dynamic interplay between elevation and openness. The circular designs of communal spaces offer a sense of unity and encourage interaction among the robotic entities, establishing a framework for community engagement. Vertical gardens are integrated throughout the complex, enhancing biodiversity and establishing an ecological sanctuary where the robots engage in agricultural practices. These green spaces serve not only to promote sustainability but also to revitalize urban areas that have historically been dominated by concrete and steel.

A distinctive aspect of this architectural project is its emphasis on the use of materials that embody both durability and environmental responsibility. While the specific materials are not delineated in the images, it is reasonable to surmise that reinforced concrete, glass, and recycled materials form the backbone of the construction. These choices signify a commitment to sustainable practices while allowing for a pleasing aesthetic that aligns with the natural surroundings.

Further, the incorporation of robotic technology as both inhabitants and caretakers sets this project apart from traditional architectural designs. Robots are envisioned engaging in various responsibilities ranging from agricultural production to environmental maintenance, fundamentally reshaping the perception of urban communities. This innovative approach challenges preconceived notions about the roles of architecture and design in society, prompting discourse on the future of urban landscapes as they adapt to technological advancements.

The project resonates with a powerful narrative about reimagining the relationship between people and their environments. By envisioning a future where nature and technology exist in collaboration, it opens up possibilities for regenerative urbanism and ecological restoration, addressing some of the pressing issues of our time. The proposal captures the imagination by inviting stakeholders to consider how urban living spaces might evolve in the coming decades.

To gain more insight into the dimensions and structural logic of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural designs associated with "Rome Collective Living Without Human Beings." Delving into these elements will provide a richer understanding of the innovative ideas shaping this architectural endeavor and its vision for the future of urban living.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy