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Sculpted Spaces with Cantilevered Glass and Natural Wood Emphasizing Urban Co-Living

Author:
Marco Vanucci
Sculpted Spaces with Cantilevered Glass and Natural Wood Emphasizing Urban Co-Living

Project in-detail

Cantilevered glass structures and natural wood elements seamlessly merge in a vibrant urban environment, creating adaptable co-living spaces that foster community and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates cantilevered structures that enhance spatial dynamics while minimizing the building footprint.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized throughout to provide durability and reduce environmental impact.
03
A central courtyard integrates greenery, promoting biodiversity and social interaction among residents.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance, ensuring safety in urban settings.
05
The adaptive modular design allows for flexible living arrangements that can evolve with resident needs over time.
The project under discussion represents a fresh approach to urban living, emphasizing community dynamics and the redefinition of residential spaces. Designed as a dual concept titled "Co-Living Cloud" and "Re-Stock Housing," this architectural endeavor aims to address pressing challenges in contemporary urban environments, where the demand for affordable, adaptable, and communal living solutions has never been greater. The design inherently reflects a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among residents, promoting sustainable practices, and responding thoughtfully to the potential issues arising from urban density.

Functionally, the project serves as a residential complex designed to accommodate a diverse array of residents, from individuals to families, providing them with efficient living spaces that support a vibrant community life. The architecture integrates private units and shared amenities, inviting interaction while ensuring the necessary privacy individuals seek in modern living. This thoughtfully designed interplay between personal and communal areas creates a holistic living experience, which is crucial for today’s urban dwellers who often face isolation amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

The architectural elements of the project are characterized by their organic forms and the strategic use of materials. The defining feature is the cantilevered structures that evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity, resembling clouds caught in a dynamic urban landscape. Such design not only contributes to the visual aesthetic but also plays a functional role in maximizing available space. The use of concrete for structural integrity, glass for transparency and connection with the surroundings, and wood for warmth collectively create an inviting atmosphere that blends modernism with comfort.

Significant design details further enhance the project’s identity. The creation of a central courtyard serves as a communal heart for the complex, promoting engagement among residents through versatile spaces designed for gatherings and social activities. This aspect of the design underscores the project’s emphasis on community, encouraging residents to interact beyond the confines of their private spaces. Moreover, landscaped terraces integrated throughout the building provide green retreats, promoting biodiversity and allowing residents to connect with nature, which is often lacking in urban environments.

The project also uniquely addresses sustainability. High-performance energy-efficient materials are combined with innovative water recycling systems aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of the development. This commitment to sustainability becomes a teaching tool for residents, inspiring an appreciation for eco-friendly practices in everyday life. The architectural integration of community gardens not only adds a layer of beauty to the surroundings but also further engages residents in the shared cultivation of land, fostering connections and a sense of ownership.

Throughout the design process, the project team emphasized adaptability, reflecting changing urban dynamics and the varying needs of residents. Modular living units allow for flexibility in spatial configurations, accommodating different family sizes and lifestyles. This adaptability extends beyond individual units, affecting common areas, which can also be modified as needed to serve the evolving community needs.

In summary, this architectural project stands as a thoughtful response to the complexities of modern urban living. By combining innovative design approaches with a clear focus on community and sustainability, it offers a model for how future housing could evolve. For those interested in delving deeper into the project, exploring its architectural plans, sections, and overall designs will provide valuable insights into this contemporary approach to urban architecture. Engaging with the presented materials will enhance understanding of the project’s multifaceted solutions and its potential influence on future developments within our urban landscapes.
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MICROHOME
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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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