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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.

### Project Overview

Located in the southern district of Milan on Ellia Lombardini Street, the affordable housing project designed by Marek Lafata features two mirrored structures aimed at addressing the demand for affordable living spaces. The design prioritizes community engagement and aims to provide an enjoyable living environment for residents, including families and individuals.

### Spatial Configuration

The project comprises two apartment buildings aligned to create visual symmetry and balance, enhancing the architectural experience. Each building rises five stories, providing a range of apartment configurations to meet diverse housing needs. The inclusion of designated gardens on the ground floor fosters a connection to nature and creates communal areas for residents. Upper floors are equipped with loggias that not only offer private outdoor space but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the facades.

### Material and Sustainability Considerations

The material selection plays a crucial role in achieving both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Primary structural elements utilize concrete for durability, while glass is employed in windows and loggias to maximize natural light and views. Wooden elements are also incorporated for balcony railings and loggia framing, adding warmth to the design. Notably, green roofs are integrated, enhancing insulation and contributing to urban biodiversity. These features promote eco-friendly living while supporting community interaction through accessible green spaces.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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