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Residential Development Featuring Steel Framework and Natural Wood Elements Reimagines Urban Living within Historic Bridges

Authors:
Natália Lindner, Gabriela maria Fazzioni, Ana paula Berwanger brancki, Tainara Alves pereira
Residential Development Featuring Steel Framework and Natural Wood Elements Reimagines Urban Living within Historic Bridges

Project in-detail

This residential development transforms historic bridges into modern modular living spaces, seamlessly integrating steel frameworks and natural wood elements to create a sustainable community that honors its past while addressing contemporary urban needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates existing historic bridges, preserving their cultural significance while adapting them for modern residential use.
02
Modular living units include distinct pods, each serving specialized functions such as hygiene, gardening, and coworking, promoting varied lifestyles within a shared space.
03
The project utilizes steel frameworks combined with oriented strand board (OSB) for enhanced durability and thermal efficiency, reducing environmental impact.
04
Integrated urban gardens within the living structure encourage residents to engage in sustainable food practices, fostering a connection to nature in an urban setting.
05
Flexible spatial configurations allow for customizable interiors, enabling residents to adapt their living environments to personal needs and lifestyle changes.
The architectural project presents an innovative approach to urban living by reimagining the use of historical bridges within the context of Rome, Italy. This design thoughtfully combines the historical elements of the city with functional modern living spaces, offering a solution to urban challenges while honoring the past. The proposal transforms these old structures into modular living units, creating a unique environment that fosters community interaction and individual privacy.

At its core, the project represents a commitment to community-oriented living, blending architecture with social engagement. By utilizing existing bridges, the design minimizes the need for new construction, thereby reducing the environmental impact and preserving the cultural significance of these landmarks. Each unit within the project is conceived as a modular "pod" that offers distinct functionalities, such as sleeping areas, communal kitchens, workspaces, and green spaces for gardening. This adaptability allows residents to tailor their living experience, promoting a sense of ownership and fostering connections among neighbors.

The architectural design features a robust steel structure, reminiscent of the historical elements of the bridges while incorporating modern engineering techniques to ensure durability and safety. The combination of materials, including oriented strand board (OSB) panels for insulation and thermodynamic technology for energy efficiency, underscores the project's focus on sustainability. This thoughtful material selection contributes not only to the aesthetics of the space but also to its performance, ensuring that residents experience comfort throughout the year.

A standout characteristic of this project is its modularity, which allows for flexible use of space. The various pods—such as the hygiene pod, garden pod, and coworking pod—provide essential services while promoting communal living. The central social area acts as a vibrant hub, designed to host activities ranging from formal events to casual gatherings, thereby reinforcing social ties and enhancing the community experience. The incorporation of gardens enables residents to engage in urban agriculture, cultivating a connection to nature and encouraging sustainable practices in daily life.

The design also emphasizes environmental sustainability. By repurposing existing structures, the project minimizes wastage and leverages historical architecture as a foundation for modern living. The emphasis on energy-efficient systems and renewable materials reflects a broader commitment to ecological considerations, presenting a model for future urban developments. The integration of green spaces not only enriches the living experience but also contributes to the overall ecological health of the urban environment.

This architectural undertaking goes beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a philosophy of coexistence, where history and modernity converge to create an inclusive community. The project addresses a key issue in urban design: how to foster a sense of belonging in an increasingly fragmented society. Through its innovative use of space and community-focused design, it aspires to create an environment that nurtures social networks, enhances quality of life, and respects historical legacies.

For those interested in gaining deeper insight into the architectural elements associated with this project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas, exploring the project presentation will provide valuable information. This exploration will further illustrate how the design achieves its aims and the impact it aspires to have on the urban landscape.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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