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Natural Wood Accents and Cross-Ventilated Spaces in Multi-Family Housing Design

Author:
Nellie Lazzarini
Natural Wood Accents and Cross-Ventilated Spaces in Multi-Family Housing Design

Project in-detail

Stacked volumes with expansive glass facades and natural wood accents create a series of interconnected communal and private living spaces in a multi-family housing development that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes staggered volumes to enhance natural ventilation throughout the structure.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic contrast.
03
Features expansive glass facades that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries.
04
Designed with communal spaces to encourage resident interaction and engagement.
05
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
The project "Dolce Casa" is a multi-family housing development that emphasizes a balance between private and communal living spaces within an urban setting. The architectural design incorporates a series of stacked volumes that create a dynamic facade while promoting efficient use of space. The layout is intended to maximize light, air circulation, and opportunities for resident interaction, addressing contemporary urban living needs.

The design strategically organizes the residential units into various configurations, accommodating both simple and double unit plans. Simple units focus on open living areas that connect seamlessly with kitchen spaces, while double units provide additional rooms tailored for families or shared living. This spatial arrangement promotes flexibility in living arrangements catering to diverse lifestyles.

The project is distinguished by its integration of communal gathering zones, which serve as focal points for social interaction among residents. These areas are designed to enhance community connectivity, contrasting conventional residential layouts that often isolate occupants. By prioritizing open spaces, the design encourages residents to engage with each other, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging within the building.

The material choices in "Dolce Casa" reflect a commitment to durability and sustainable design practices. Predominantly, the structure utilizes concrete for its strength, while large glass windows contribute to natural lighting and visual connectivity with the outside environment. Wood accents are incorporated in flooring and furnishings, providing warmth to the contemporary aesthetic. Steel elements are employed for structural integrity, reinforcing the modern architectural language of the project. Additionally, ceramic tiles are used in kitchens and bathrooms for practical functionality.

What sets "Dolce Casa" apart is its deliberate approach to promoting ecological awareness and sustainability. The staggered building volumes are designed to facilitate natural ventilation and light, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of green terraces and potential rooftop gardens emphasizes the integration of nature within the urban framework.

Another noteworthy aspect of the project is the emphasis on transparency in design. The open layouts and large windows allow for an abundance of natural light, enhancing the living experience while creating a visual connection between the interior and the urban environment. This approach aims to redefine the nature of multi-family housing by blending individual privacy with open communal spaces.

For further exploration of this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design elements, readers are encouraged to delve into the full project presentation. Engaging with the architectural details will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas and practical solutions embodied in "Dolce Casa."
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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