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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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