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Elevated Pathways Connecting Multifunctional Living Near Historical Ruins

Authors:
Jo Janssen, Laura Piovan, Andi Belulaj, Maud van Oerle
Elevated Pathways Connecting Multifunctional Living Near Historical Ruins

Project in-detail

Elevated pathways intertwine with multifunctional living spaces, creating a vibrant community that embraces the historical significance of the Circus Maximus while promoting social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated pathways offer unique views of the archaeological site.
02
Eighteen distinct Contradas create a diverse living environment.
03
The inner court functions as a multifunctional park for community events.
04
Designed for multigenerational living with flexible unit types.
05
Strong emphasis on shared spaces to promote social interaction.

The Co-Massimo project is a co-housing initiative located in Rione Ripa, close to the historic Circus Maximus in Rome. This area serves as an important link between major roads, including Via Appia and Via Ostense. The design combines aspects of the site’s rich history with modern living needs, aiming to create a sense of community among diverse groups of residents.

Urban Scale Integration

The project consists of four levels: Rione, Borgata, Contrada, and Unit. Rione refers to the broader district, while Borgata is made up of 18 Contradas, which are smaller neighborhoods fostering community living. Each Contrada includes individual private units that enhance social interaction among residents. This structured approach helps to create connections and encourages participation in various shared activities.

Shared Spaces and Social Interaction

Multifunctional shared spaces are central to the project’s design. These areas include parks, gardens, and recreational facilities, all crafted to promote social engagement. The inner court is specifically designed as a multifunctional park that serves as a venue for community events and recreational activities. Elevated pathways throughout the space provide views of the archaeological site, allowing public access while respecting the privacy of residents.

Flexibility and Multigenerational Living

Co-Massimo supports multigenerational living by offering a variety of unit types within the Contradas. This arrangement allows for a mix of family structures and living preferences. Residents can choose units that best fit their needs and can relocate within the Borgata as those needs change. This flexibility encourages lasting connections and active participation in the community.

The project balances public spaces with private comfort. It acknowledges the historical significance of the Circus Maximus while addressing the practical needs of urban life. Through careful planning, the design integrates communal areas and private units, creating an environment that promotes interaction among residents while providing moments of solitude.

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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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