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Rooftop Modularity and Community Integration in Urban Living

Authors:
Maria Amado mannise, Maria Eizayaga, Natália ayumi Sato, Taís De moraes alves
Rooftop Modularity and Community Integration in Urban Living

Project in-detail

With a modular grid system that enhances flexibility and strategically integrates rooftop spaces, the design fosters community interaction while providing diverse residential options in a densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular grid allows for flexible residential configurations.
02
Rooftop utilization enhances urban density and livability.
03
Integrates communal spaces that encourage resident interaction.
04
Design draws inspiration from Renaissance architectural elements.
05
Emphasizes sustainability through efficient resource management.

Co.Villa is located in the historic area of Rome and aims to meet the modern needs of urban housing. The design addresses various household types while focusing on flexibility and community interaction. By blending historical influences with contemporary design, Co.Villa offers a living environment suited to the dynamics of city life.

Flexible Living Environments

At the heart of Co.Villa is a system built on a 60x60 cm modular grid. This grid allows for multiple arrangements and uses of space, accommodating a diverse range of households. From single occupants to families, the design adapts to differing lifestyles, providing a versatile framework for urban living. This flexibility makes the residential units functional and responsive to change over time.

Integration of Public and Private Spaces

Co.Villa promotes the idea of shared living by integrating public and private areas. Common spaces encourage residents to interact while careful design ensures that personal privacy is preserved. This balance cultivates a sense of community without sacrificing individual comfort. The layout facilitates connections among neighbors, enriching the social fabric of the urban environment.

Contextual Considerations

The design draws inspiration from Rome’s rich architectural history, particularly the Renaissance Palazzo. By taking elements from traditional structures and reinterpreting them, Co.Villa establishes a connection with the past. This approach enhances the project’s cultural relevance and helps it to fit well within the existing urban landscape. Attention to local history creates a sense of place that resonates with both residents and visitors.

Sustainable Urban Development

Co.Villa emphasizes sustainable practices by leveraging existing infrastructure and utilizing available urban space. It occupies rooftops, vacant buildings, and areas along the river, contributing to the city's density while respecting its heritage. Environmental considerations are woven into the design, promoting efficiency and offering shared mobility options. This focus on sustainability helps create a living space that considers both people and the planet.

The arrangement within Co.Villa concludes with a thoughtfully designed communal area, where greenery and open spaces invite residents to engage with each other and the surroundings. It serves as a place for relaxation and informal gatherings, reinforcing the spirit of community.

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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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