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Emphasis on Community Through Brick and Greenery in Testaccio Housing Initiative

Authors:
Shaun Lee, Kelly Choi, Jade Tan
Emphasis on Community Through Brick and Greenery in Testaccio Housing Initiative

Project in-detail

Constructed with durable brick and enhanced by abundant greenery, the housing initiative in Testaccio promotes community living through shared spaces and artist workshops.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced brick, the project maintains the architectural heritage of Testaccio.
02
The layout incorporates flexible communal areas designed for artistic collaboration and social gatherings.
03
Green roofs and landscaped courtyards enhance natural ventilation and promote biodiversity within the urban setting.
04
Adaptive living units accommodate a mix of demographic needs, from families to young professionals.
05
Public corridors seamlessly connect residential spaces to nearby cultural and commercial amenities.

The CommonGround project is an architectural initiative located in Testaccio, Italy, designed to create an inclusive and interconnected living environment. Its primary focus is on fostering community interaction through a blend of residential, commercial, and communal spaces. The architecture addresses the needs of diverse demographic groups, providing adaptable living units that encourage interactivity and cultural exchange.

The overall design strategy revolves around modern interpretations of traditional Italian architecture, resulting in a harmonious integration with the historic context of Testaccio. The project showcases a modular approach, facilitating various living arrangements while emphasizing social connectivity and shared resources.

Enhanced Community Engagement
CommonGround stands out for its commitment to community engagement through a comprehensive range of shared facilities. The design features public corridors that link residential units with social spaces, art studios, and local shops, ensuring that residents have easy access to community services. The incorporation of various unit types, from family-oriented apartments to shared living spaces for young professionals and accessible units for seniors, caters to a broader demographic, promoting intergenerational living.

Particularly noteworthy is the emphasis on artistic spaces, including workshops and performance venues. This focus creates a vibrant cultural environment that enables residents to engage creatively and stimulates local talent. The integration of outdoor courtyards and communal gardens fosters interaction and encourages outdoor activities, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Sustainable Design Practices
The project emphasizes sustainability through careful selection of materials and landscaping. Brick is prominently used for its durability and aesthetic qualities, reflective of the local architectural vernacular. Concrete elements provide structural support while glass installations enhance natural light within the interiors. Wood is utilized in communal areas, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Greenery plays a crucial role in the design, with trees and plants incorporated into public and private areas to promote environmental benefits and well-being. The careful arrangement of these elements not only enhances the visual appeal but also addresses ecological considerations within urban settings.

For those interested in exploring the architectural details of CommonGround further, a review of the project presentation is recommended. Specific elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs provide valuable insights into the innovative methodologies applied in this multifaceted project. By delving deeper into the architectural ideas of CommonGround, viewers will gain a comprehensive understanding of its unique contributions to contemporary urban living.

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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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