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Steel Framework and Prefabricated Concrete in Integrated Co-Living Community

Authors:
Fredrik Bengtsson, Joachim christian Heinz
Steel Framework and Prefabricated Concrete in Integrated Co-Living Community

Project in-detail

Constructed with a steel framework and prefabricated concrete slabs, the design integrates co-living and co-working spaces to support young professionals in Rome, fostering a sense of community while addressing affordable housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Core Building serves as a communal hub with diverse shared facilities for residents.
02
Satellite Dwellings are designed to enhance accessibility while maintaining individual privacy.
03
The design incorporates a flexible columnar layout to allow for future expansion and adaptation.
04
Affordable steel framework and prefabricated concrete slabs optimize construction efficiency.
05
Outdoor terraces promote social interaction and enhance the living environment for residents.

The design focuses on providing solutions to the economic issues faced by young professionals in Rome by creating spaces for both living and working. Located in a busy urban area, the project aims to encourage community and collaboration while addressing the need for affordable housing. The central idea revolves around sharing resources and experiences, offering individuals a supportive environment to navigate modern challenges.

Core Building Configuration

At the heart of the design is the Core Building, which serves as the main gathering space for residents. This facility includes co-working areas, workshops, and communal kitchens that all residents can access. By centralizing these resources, occupants have opportunities to connect and develop professionally, fostering a strong sense of community.



Satellite Dwellings

Surrounding the Core Building are the Satellite Dwellings, designed to provide additional housing for residents. These units are conveniently located within walking distance of the Core, allowing easy access to shared amenities. The design ensures that residents can benefit from communal spaces while enjoying the privacy of their own homes, effectively balancing social interaction with personal space.



Flexibility and Adaptability

The design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in its structure. It incorporates a columnar layout that allows for straightforward expansion and stacking, accommodating future changes or growth in resident needs. This approach not only strengthens the building’s overall integrity but also provides various configurations for different living situations, making it suitable for an evolving urban landscape.



Material Choices

Materials are selected for their functionality and cost-effectiveness. The design suggests using a steel column structure and prefabricated concrete slabs. This choice supports a focus on durability and affordability, enabling efficient construction while maintaining visual coherence across the development.



Outdoor spaces within the design include terraces that enhance the living experience. These areas allow residents to gather and socialize, providing a pleasant environment for interaction and community building.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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