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Repurposed Bricks and Skylights Enhance Communal Living in a Modern Roman-Inspired Home

Authors:
Maciej Kozłowski, Agata Wala
Repurposed Bricks and Skylights Enhance Communal Living in a Modern Roman-Inspired Home

Project in-detail

With a focus on repurposed bricks and strategically placed skylights, this modern interpretation of the Roman Domus seamlessly integrates communal living and personal privacy in a contemporary residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Atrium serves as a central hub, enhancing connectivity among living areas.
02
Cubiculum spaces designed as two-person houses maximize privacy within a communal setting.
03
The wine-tasting area features a small kitchen and basement wine cellar for enhanced functionality.
04
A canal system integrates water distribution from the Atrium to the shared pool in the Hortus.
05
Skylights above beds allow residents to view the night sky from their private spaces.

The design reinterpreting the concept of the Domus draws inspiration from the historic Roman home, adapting it for modern living. Located in a contemporary setting, the project emphasizes a careful mix of private and communal spaces. Its layout prioritizes both social interaction and personal retreat, creating a balanced environment for residents. The organization of key areas reflects the essence of the traditional Domus, while meeting the needs of today's lifestyles.

Atrium

The Atrium acts as the central space of the design, linking various living areas and supporting movement throughout the residence. This area is crucial for fostering community among residents, allowing them to gather and interact. At the same time, the layout enables individuals to find solitude when needed. The Atrium embodies the welcoming atmosphere of the classic Domus.

Cubiculum

The five Cubiculum spaces are newly imagined as small houses designed for two occupants each. This arrangement highlights the value of personal space in a modern context while ensuring residents remain connected to shared areas. Each Cubiculum is designed to provide comfort and privacy, creating a cozy atmosphere that caters to different lifestyles.

Triclinium

Serving a new purpose, the Triclinium transitions from a dining area to a wine-tasting space that accommodates up to fourteen guests. It is equipped with a small kitchen and a wine cellar in the basement, which adds functionality. This change reflects how social practices around food and drink have evolved, catering to a more casual and interactive dining experience.

Hortus

The Hortus serves as a communal garden space, featuring a shared pool that encourages outdoor activities and social gatherings. This area helps residents connect with nature while offering a space for leisure and recreation. The design incorporates natural elements to enhance the overall living experience.

Unique design features include skylights above the beds in the Cubiculum spaces. These skylights provide an opportunity for residents to gaze at the stars while resting. This thoughtful addition deepens the connection between indoor living and the natural world outside.

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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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