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Terracotta-Clad Community Spaces Emphasizing Flexible Living Within A Sustainable Urban Framework

Author:
Tomasz Gęsiak
Terracotta-Clad Community Spaces Emphasizing Flexible Living Within A Sustainable Urban Framework

Project in-detail

Terracotta-clad structures intertwine with expansive glass elements to create flexible living spaces that promote community engagement and sustainability in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a variety of unit configurations that cater to different family structures, enhancing adaptability.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for their durability and aesthetic appeal, offering a modern twist on traditional materials.
03
Rooftop terraces are integrated into the design, providing communal spaces for residents to engage with nature and each other.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed to create lightweight, energy-efficient structures while ensuring structural integrity.
05
The project incorporates natural ventilation and shading techniques to optimize energy use and reduce environmental impact.
The Rome Collective Living Challenge is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project that emphasizes communal living within an urban framework. This project represents a progressive response to the increasing demand for adaptive and sustainable residential solutions in densely populated settings like Rome. Its design promotes social interaction while accommodating the diverse needs of residents, exemplifying a balance between private and communal spaces.

At its core, the Rome Collective Living Challenge serves a dual purpose: providing residents with comfortable living arrangements while fostering a sense of community. The layout encompasses a series of interconnected buildings that create shared courtyards and gathering spaces. This setup not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also encourages residents to engage with one another, thereby nurturing community bonds.

The architectural design is characterized by a clear, functional arrangement of spaces. The buildings are organized into a series of blocks, with varying heights and forms that add visual interest to the structure's overall profile. Natural light plays a significant role in the design, as expansive glass windows and open-plan interiors illuminate living areas, enhancing both comfort and well-being for inhabitants. Each apartment incorporates outdoor terraces, allowing residents to connect with nature while maintaining private outdoor spaces.

Materiality is an essential aspect of this project, with careful consideration given to the selection of both traditional and modern materials. Concrete forms the structural backbone of the buildings, ensuring durability and stability. Terracotta bricks, a nod to local architectural traditions, are used as exterior cladding, imbuing the project with a warm, inviting character that resonates within the Roman context. Glass seamlessly integrates into the design, providing transparency and connection between indoor and outdoor environments, while also contributing to energy efficiency.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The integration of flexible living spaces supports a variety of family structures and lifestyles, allowing for a degree of personalization while maintaining a cohesive community environment. Shared amenities, including communal kitchens, lounges, and gardens, are strategically positioned to encourage interaction among residents. This layout reflects a contemporary understanding of communal living, where personal privacy and shared experiences coexist harmoniously.

The architectural design also takes into account environmental sustainability, addressing energy efficiency through strategic building orientation and shading elements. By reducing solar heat gain and optimizing natural ventilation, the project aligns itself with modern environmental standards, highlighting architecture's role in promoting sustainable living practices.

Each detail of the Rome Collective Living Challenge contributes to its overall mission of enhancing urban living. The thoughtful balance of communal and private spaces, along with a focus on materiality and sustainability, positions this project as a significant contribution to the contemporary architectural landscape of Rome.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and further design ideas behind the project, a deeper investigation into the project presentation is highly encouraged. Such resources provide invaluable insights into the innovative concepts and careful deliberation that went into the design and execution of the Rome Collective Living Challenge, illustrating the potential impact of thoughtful architectural solutions in urban settings.
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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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