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Rooftop Living with Thatch and Solar Tiles for Sustainable Micro-Housing

Authors:
Lorenza Marenco, Fabio Azzolina, Kaan Sahinoglu
Rooftop Living with Thatch and Solar Tiles for Sustainable Micro-Housing
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Utilizing a modular design with a thatch exterior and integrated solar tiles, this micro-home redefines urban living by transforming rooftop spaces into sustainable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop design maximizes urban space efficiency.
02
Modular frames allow for customizable interior layouts.
03
Thatch roofing provides cost-effective insulation and aesthetics.
04
Integrated solar tiles contribute to self-sustaining energy use.
05
Compact footprint promotes community living in dense areas.

The Peak architectural design is located in the busy city of Milano, Italy, where it responds to the urgent need for affordable housing. The project focuses on using rooftop spaces to create living solutions that are both sustainable and functional. This approach meets the challenges posed by a growing population and aims to provide adaptable micro-homes that encourage communal living while offering individual privacy.

Design Concept and Layout

Central to Peak is its modular design, featuring frames that are 60cm wide. This allows for customizable living areas, accommodating different needs and preferences. Residents can adjust their spaces to include a work-study, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. The layout is designed to maximize the efficient use of space while promoting a sense of community among those who inhabit it.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability plays a key role in the design of Peak. The structure is primarily made from wood, chosen for its light weight and renewable nature. In addition, one side of the building incorporates thatch, a traditional roofing material known for its affordability and long-standing use in various environments. This blend of materials contributes to the ecological focus of the project.

Energy Efficiency Features

A significant element of Peak is the integration of Tesla photovoltaic solar tiles, which have a rated efficiency of 1000W/m². These tiles are part of the roof design, enabling the micro-home to capture renewable energy effectively. The roof's size allows for ample solar harvesting, reducing dependence on external power sources and promoting a self-sufficient lifestyle for residents.

Transport and Practicality

Peak is designed with practical considerations in mind. It can be transported using standard delivery trucks, facilitating easy assembly and mobility in urban settings. Such a design approach ensures that the project can adapt to different city environments while maintaining its innovative features and sustainable characteristics.

Attention is given to how the interior spaces are organized, balancing utility with comfort. Each area is designed to interact with the others, creating a cohesive living experience that meets contemporary urban needs.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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