Get inspired!

17,363 architecture projects

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

Interlocking Brick Facades and Natural Light Solutions in Affordable Urban Living

Author:
Wy-men Loh
Interlocking Brick Facades and Natural Light Solutions in Affordable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Interlocking brick facades create dynamic living spaces filled with natural light, while modular design elements foster community engagement in a sustainable, affordable housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking units enhance spatial efficiency and facilitate community interaction.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed balconies and voids.
03
The design incorporates a central circulation core for improved accessibility.
04
A variety of brick facades honors local architectural traditions while providing modern aesthetics.
05
Sustainability is prioritized through the use of durable, eco-friendly materials.
Casa Collegare is an architectural project located in Rome, Italy, designed to address the pressing need for affordable housing while promoting communal living. The design embodies a contemporary approach to urban housing, facilitating adaptability and connection among residents. Casa Collegare features interlocked living units that optimize space and foster a sense of community within a bustling city.

The project serves as a co-living environment, providing housing solutions for young professionals. The arrangement emphasizes communal interaction, with shared spaces thoughtfully integrated into the design. Central to the project is the idea of combining private living areas with communal amenities, creating a balanced residential experience that encourages social engagement.

Interlocking Living Units
The interlocking geometry of the building is a distinctive aspect of Casa Collegare. This unique design approach enables variations in unit size and configuration, accommodating the diverse needs of residents. Each living unit is strategically positioned to promote natural light and airflow while maintaining privacy through architectural ingenuity. The balconies and communal areas are seamlessly woven into the overall structure, emphasizing accessibility and interaction among residents.

Central Core and Circulation
The architectural design incorporates a central circulation core that serves as the backbone of the building, facilitating efficient movement throughout the various levels. This core connects all living units and communal spaces, ensuring residents have easy access to essential areas such as kitchens, study lounges, and reception areas. The arrangement of spaces encourages residents to utilize shared facilities, enhancing social dynamics within the community.

Material Selection
Casa Collegare employs a thoughtful selection of materials that resonate with the local architectural context. Using natural materials such as brick, wood, and concrete, the project achieves durability while promoting warmth and comfort in living spaces. The façade features various brick options, including terracotta and yellow brick, which enhance the project's aesthetic appeal while harmonizing with Rome’s traditional architectural elements. The interior finishes also reflect a focus on comfort and functionality, with wood used to create inviting living environments.

For more detailed insights into Casa Collegare, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. This will provide a deeper understanding of the innovative aspects of the architecture and its approach to contemporary 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 17,363 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