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Mirrored Facades and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Urban Living in Milan

Author:
Marek Lafata
Mirrored Facades and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Urban Living in Milan

Project in-detail

Mirrored facades and green roofs characterize this urban development in Milan, where communal gardens and flexible layouts enhance affordable living for diverse residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored design enhances reflection and visual harmony with the surrounding environment.
02
Incorporation of green roofs promotes biodiversity and improves insulation.
03
Communal gardens facilitate social interaction among residents and connect with nature.
04
Loggia spaces provide private outdoor areas while optimizing natural light.
05
Flexible apartment layouts accommodate a diverse range of family sizes and needs.
The Affordable Housing Project in Milan is a strategic architectural initiative designed to provide practical living spaces for diverse urban populations. Located on Ellia Lombardini Street, this project encompasses two mirrored structures that promote not only affordability but also community engagement within the urban environment. The architecture prioritizes functionality alongside aesthetic considerations, aiming to create a conducive living space for residents while integrating smoothly into the existing neighborhood.

Building Configuration and Layout

The project consists of two separate apartment buildings, each five stories high, exemplifying a mirrored design principle which contributes to a coherent visual identity. The ground floor of each building incorporates communal gardens, fostering interaction among residents and connecting them to nature. Each residential unit is thoughtfully arranged, with five apartments on every floor, providing a variety of configurations tailored to meet the needs of different family sizes and living situations.

Private outdoor spaces are prioritized through the inclusion of loggias on the upper floors, offering residents personal areas for relaxation. This design approach not only enhances the residents' quality of living but also contributes to the overall harmony of the site, integrating the buildings with their surroundings.

Sustainability and Material Choice

This project places a strong emphasis on sustainability through the use of environmentally conscious materials and design strategies. Concrete serves as the principal structural material, providing durability and a robust framework for the buildings. Large glass windows and loggia features maximize natural light within residential units while improving energy efficiency. Additionally, green roofs are proposed to enhance insulation and encourage biodiversity, integrating ecological elements into the architectural scope.

These design features collectively demonstrate a commitment to sustainable urban living, effectively addressing increasing demands for housing while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Community-Centric Design Outcomes

By emphasizing community engagement, the Affordable Housing Project distinguishes itself from conventional housing developments. The incorporation of shared green spaces encourages social interaction among residents, promoting a sense of belonging and community cohesion. Furthermore, the careful consideration of layout and apartment diversity addresses the varied needs of a contemporary urban population.

Overall, this project encapsulates a thoughtful response to housing challenges within an urban context. For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas of this project, exploring the detailed presentation is highly recommended.
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Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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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
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