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Elevated Living Spaces Embracing the Tiber River

Author:
Maja Mawusi
Elevated Living Spaces Embracing the Tiber River

Project in-detail

Elevated living spaces along the Tiber River integrate water-sensitive design principles to create a resilient community environment that encourages social interaction and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structures designed specifically for flood resilience along the Tiber River.
02
Cluster-based living arrangements promoting social interaction among residents.
03
Incorporation of shared amenities to enhance community engagement.
04
Utilization of adaptable layouts that can evolve with resident needs.
05
Focus on integrating natural elements to create a harmonious urban experience.

Located along the Tiber River in Rome, the design centers on connecting urban life with the natural surroundings. The goal is to address the risks associated with flooding while promoting community interactions through a closer relationship with the river. Water-sensitive design principles guide the project to turn the urban edge into an active area that invites both residents and nature to engage.

Design Concept

The design is built around the idea of resilience, recognizing the historical importance of the Tiber as both a valuable resource and a possible threat. Instead of separating the city from the river, the approach seeks to create a relationship that encourages people to interact with the water. This redefinition of urban edges facilitates a smoother transition between the built environment and the natural landscape.

Community Engagement

Enhancing community dynamics is a key part of the design. Shared spaces are incorporated to foster social interaction among residents, reflecting a commitment to building strong community ties. Each living unit includes essential amenities, such as small refrigerators and sinks, which support communal activities while still allowing personal privacy.

Adaptability and Resilience

In light of Rome's ongoing housing challenges, the design promotes a flexible spatial arrangement. The cluster-based layout enables a variety of living options that can adjust to the needs of the residents over time. To address the history of flooding in the area, elevated living spaces take cues from traditional fishing practices. This approach turns potential risks into integral design elements that enhance resilience.

Design Integration

While specific materials for construction are not detailed, the design focuses on blending with local conditions and the cultural context of Rome. Emphasizing adaptability, it aligns with the city’s historical fabric. Attention to detail highlights features that interact with the Tiber's natural flow, enriching the urban experience and encouraging residents to engage with their environment.

The architectural layout connects with the river, where the design responds to the water’s movement, inviting residents to explore and appreciate their surroundings, while recognizing the landscape’s inherent characteristics.

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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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