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Terracotta Cladding Meets Container Aesthetics in Communal Living Environment

Authors:
Christian Asara, Carlo Casula, Simona Piras, Matteo Pisano
Terracotta Cladding Meets Container Aesthetics in Communal Living Environment

Project in-detail

With a façade of terracotta cladding that mirrors the local maritime context and a modular design that fosters community interaction, this residential complex redefines communal living in a coastal environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design mimics shipping containers to integrate with local maritime culture.
02
Terracotta cladding provides climate responsiveness and aesthetic harmony with the landscape.
03
Shared green spaces encourage social interaction among residents, promoting community engagement.
04
Cross-ventilation principles enhance indoor air quality while reducing energy use.
05
Native plants utilized in landscaping minimize water consumption and support local biodiversity.

## Project Overview
The AM250 design project is located in close proximity to the port of Olbia, aiming to integrate modern residential living with a strong acknowledgment of its geographical context. The residential complex is designed to fulfill both functional and aesthetic requirements, resulting in a nuanced relationship between built form and its environmental setting.

### Conceptual Framework
The architectural approach is informed by the characteristics of port containers, conveying themes of international exchange. The façade consists of orthogonally superimposed cubes that reflect the visual language of shipping containers and create a dialogue with the existing commercial landscape of Olbia. Terracotta is utilized as a primary cladding material, establishing a connection with regional architectural traditions while emphasizing sustainability.

### Design Elements and Materiality
- **Materials**: The project prominently features terracotta for façade cladding and roofing, reflecting local heritage while modernizing traditional applications. Concrete serves as the structural backbone, ensuring durability against coastal conditions, while wood is incorporated in elements such as railings and decorative details, adding warmth to the overall design.

- **Architectural Features**: The façade's rhythmic composition of cubes, varying in size and orientation, maximizes natural light and creates dynamic shadow play throughout the day. This design encourages passive solar strategies, enhancing energy efficiency. Landscaping utilizes native plants to promote biodiversity and minimize water requirements, while shared green spaces function for both aesthetic enjoyment and ecological benefit. Common gathering areas, including a rooftop terrace, facilitate social interaction among residents, underscoring the project's emphasis on community engagement.

Key aspects of the AM250 project focus on fostering individual comfort alongside communal experiences, with deliberate spatial planning that cultivates interaction and a sense of belonging. Additionally, the design incorporates strategies for enhancing outdoor comfort, contributing to a sustainable microclimate. Each design element is carefully calibrated to respond to the local environment, utilizing appropriate materials and considering climate challenges to achieve visual coherence and ecological sustainability.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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