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Marble-Centric Cohabitation in the Heart of Rome

Author:
Paulina Lechowska
Marble-Centric Cohabitation in the Heart of Rome

Project in-detail

Utilizing local marble, the design enhances communal living through a strategic layering approach in Rome's historic center, addressing the need for affordable housing while integrating green spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced marble to connect with Rome's architectural heritage.
02
Incorporates communal areas to foster social interaction among residents.
03
Strategically addresses the lack of affordable housing in urban centers.
04
Integrates green spaces to enhance the living environment.
05
Employs a layering approach to harmonize new and historical elements.

The design located in the historical center of Rome aims to explore the idea of stratification to address current urban challenges while maintaining respect for the area's historical significance. In a city celebrated for its rich and complex history, the approach seeks to create a new layer of cohabitation that improves living conditions for its residents and acknowledges the cultural context. The design emphasizes a mix of private and communal spaces, encouraging vibrant urban life in an area heavily influenced by tourism.

Community Integration

Fostering community integration is a central element of the design intent. It aims to combine personal and shared spaces in a way that promotes interaction among residents. By carefully placing various interventions throughout the site, the design accommodates different living styles and needs. This not only enhances the quality of life for those who live there but also promotes a sense of togetherness in the community.

Addressing Housing Challenges

The project responds to significant issues related to affordable housing. In the heart of Rome, rising costs are driving many locals away from the center. The design's proposed solutions focus on enhancing living conditions while tackling the larger problem of urban sprawl. This focus is aimed at creating residential spaces that are functional and accessible, aligning with modern requirements for day-to-day living.

Material Selection

The project emphasizes the use of marble, a local material that connects the new design to Rome's architectural past. Choosing marble not only reflects the history of the city, but it also provides a cohesive look throughout. The inclusion of this material adds visual appeal and reinforces the project’s connection to historical architecture, supporting the narrative the design aims to convey.

Green Space Reintroduction

Reintroducing green spaces is another important focus within the design. Historically, urban greenery in the center of Rome has been limited. By adding areas for plants and trees, the project seeks to improve the overall living environment and push for sustainability. Accessible greenery offers residents a refreshing change from the urban landscape, enhancing their quality of life and promoting a deeper connection to nature.

In each aspect, the design showcases a thoughtful balance between historical elements and new ideas. The resulting spaces invite residents to engage meaningfully with their environment while recognizing the layers of history that define the city.

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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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