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Repurposed Gasometer Housing Fostering Community Connections

Authors:
Tianyu Zhao, Mengyang Wu, Chang Lu, Shaha Maiteh
Repurposed Gasometer Housing Fostering Community Connections
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Reimagining a decommissioned gasometer, the design creates a vibrant community living space that merges historical integrity with modern residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reuses a historical gasometer structure to create living spaces.
02
Features communal areas designed to enhance social interaction.
03
Offers adaptable layouts to accommodate various household types.
04
Integrates historical elements with modern residential design.
05
Promotes community engagement through shared amenities.

The design project in Rome addresses the ongoing challenge of housing affordability in urban areas while fostering a sense of community among its residents. Located on the site of a former gasometer once operated by Eni, the initiative combines modern living needs with the historical importance of its setting. By using the existing industrial structure, the design seeks to repurpose the site creatively while developing communal living environments suitable for various types of households.

Design Concept

The central idea is to create shared living spaces that promote social interaction without sacrificing individual privacy. The layout incorporates communal amenities designed to connect residents. This arrangement encourages community engagement and reflects a contemporary understanding of home and social belonging. By carefully positioning communal areas, the design allows for natural interactions, letting relationships flourish within the urban environment.

Historical Context

The historical significance of the site as an old gasometer adds depth to the design story. Retaining features of the existing structure helps honor the area’s industrial past while integrating new living spaces. This approach preserves cultural heritage and offers a fresh perspective on modern residential life. The blending of old and new creates a dialogue between the past and the present, enriching the experience for residents.

Adaptability of Spaces

Flexibility is a key aspect of the living arrangements offered. The design provides options that can accommodate different family structures, from young professionals to multi-generational households. This adaptability ensures that the spaces remain functional and relevant over time. By addressing the varied needs of its residents, the approach encourages inclusivity and fosters a robust community spirit among the inhabitants.

Large windows characterize the facades, allowing natural light to flood shared and private spaces. This feature not only enhances the sense of openness but also invites the outside world in, creating a vibrant atmosphere that supports both social interaction and personal reflection.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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