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Sustainable Living Enclosed in Pressed Brick and Green Roofs with Vertical Connectivity

Author:
Caleb White
Sustainable Living Enclosed in Pressed Brick and Green Roofs with Vertical Connectivity

Project in-detail

Pressed brick façades and green roofs create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, while a vertical street layout promotes community interaction within a multi-functional residential building.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pressed brick façades replicate traditional Roman patterns while offering modern thermal efficiency.
02
A vertical street design encourages communal movement and interaction across multiple levels.
03
Large glass panels enhance natural light and create a visual connection with surrounding urban landscapes.
04
Balconies and terraces are designed as personal green spaces to promote biodiversity and resident engagement.
05
Incorporation of green roofs contributes to urban cooling and stormwater management.
The Urban Threshold project is an architectural design that addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in urban contexts, specifically situated near Piazza Testaccio in Rome, Italy. This project aims to integrate residential spaces with communal amenities, fostering interaction and a sense of community among its inhabitants. The design reflects contemporary urban living patterns while drawing from historical and local architectural traditions.

The building features a distinct architectural form characterized by dynamic profiles that combine residential and public areas seamlessly. The façade showcases the use of pressed brick, a nod to traditional Roman construction techniques, applied here with a modern twist. This choice of material provides not only aesthetic value but also contributes to the building's thermal performance. Large glass panels are strategically incorporated to enhance natural light and expand sightlines, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the project’s standout features is its "Vertical Street" concept, which redefines conventional apartment circulation. This design promotes movement through the building in a manner that mimics the experience of walking through a city. Residents can access different levels of the building through shared, vertically arranged communal spaces, fostering interaction beyond the confines of traditional hallways.

Another notable aspect is the incorporation of intentional green spaces and terraces. Each dwelling is provided with external spaces that allow for personal gardens or communal gathering areas, promoting both social interaction and individual relaxation. The integration of green roofs further enhances sustainability, contributing to biodiversity while aiding in stormwater management.

Residential configurations within the Urban Threshold offer flexibility to accommodate diverse lifestyles, ranging from single inhabitants to families. Communal facilities, such as shared kitchens and lounges, are thoughtfully distributed to maximize accessibility and encourage community building.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The project prioritizes functionality through a careful layout that incorporates public amenities such as cafes and markets at the ground level, enhancing the vibrancy of the streetscape. The architectural design ensures that all residents have access to necessary services without requiring extensive travel, thus promoting a sustainable urban lifestyle.

In summary, Urban Threshold represents a progressive approach to affordable housing, combining innovative design solutions with practical considerations for community engagement. The project's unique features, including the Vertical Street and the inclusion of extensive green spaces, set it apart from typical residential developments.

For more insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This examination will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and design strategies employed in its realization.
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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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