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Natural Brown Cladding and Modular Spaces in a Collaborative Urban Living Environment

Author:
Giacomo Caputo
Natural Brown Cladding and Modular Spaces in a Collaborative Urban Living Environment

Project in-detail

With its innovative use of straw cladding and modular wood structures, this urban living development redefines communal spaces, creating an adaptive environment that fosters connections among residents while prioritizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes compacted straw for cladding, enhancing insulation while promoting a natural aesthetic.
02
Modular units are designed for customization, allowing residents to adapt their living spaces to personal preferences.
03
Flexibility is incorporated through movable partitions, enabling dynamic configuration of shared and private areas.
04
Natural ventilation systems are integrated to reduce energy consumption and enhance indoor air quality.
05
Community gardens serve as both recreational spaces and sources of local produce, reinforcing sustainability and interaction among residents.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful response to contemporary urban living challenges, specifically addressing the need for communal living spaces in an urban context. Located in Rome, Italy, this design aims to create a harmonious balance between individual privacy and shared community experiences, reflecting a modern interpretation of collaborative living. The project integrates innovative design elements while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, making it a relevant model for future architectural endeavors.

At its core, the project functions as a multi-faceted living environment that accommodates diverse lifestyles. It is structured around three primary configurations: private spaces, shared areas, and public zones. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring that residents can enjoy both solitude and community engagement. The individual units are designed as modular spaces, allowing inhabitants to customize their layout according to personal preferences and needs. This flexibility is crucial for fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among the residents, which is essential in communal living settings.

The shared areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction, featuring flexible seating arrangements and communal kitchens where residents can gather and collaborate on meals or activities. These spaces act as the heart of the project, promoting connections among residents and creating an inviting atmosphere for both casual and organized socializing. The public zones extend this philosophy outward, incorporating gardens and open areas for recreational and social activities, ensuring that the living environment positively impacts not only the residents but also the surrounding community.

A significant aspect of the design is its materiality, which emphasizes sustainability. The project incorporates a range of eco-friendly materials, such as modular wood structures and straw insulation, which enhance thermal performance while ensuring that the building harmonizes with its environment. Compacted straw is used for cladding, providing insulation and a natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the urban landscape. Additionally, polycarbonate panels are utilized for windows and partitions, allowing natural light to infuse the interior spaces while maintaining privacy. The choice of painted aluminum for structural profiles adds durability to the design while keeping the overall appearance modern and cohesive. The flooring, made of hexagonal tiles, not only offers visual continuity but also practicality in maintenance.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The adaptive layout features sliding screens and movable partitions that allow residents to adjust their living spaces as needed, striking a balance between communal and private experiences. This innovation promotes versatility, accommodating different social dynamics and personal preferences. Furthermore, the integration of passive systems for natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting underscores the project's commitment to ecological stewardship, aiming to minimize its environmental footprint.

Ultimately, this architectural project highlights the importance of addressing modern social needs through thoughtful design. By fostering community engagement within a sustainable framework, it serves as a practical example of how architecture can influence lifestyle patterns in urban settings. The project not only provides living spaces but also nurtures relationships among residents and with the broader community. Readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented to gain a deeper understanding of this compelling project and its potential to shape the future of urban living.
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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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