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Transformable Glass Cubes on Tiber Banks with Prefabricated Wood Panels

Author:
Valentin Oleynik
Transformable Glass Cubes on Tiber Banks with Prefabricated Wood Panels

Project in-detail

Transformable glass cubes fitted with adjustable shutters create an adaptable living environment along the Tiber banks, combining prefabricated wood panels with communal and workspaces for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transformable glass cubes allow for flexible use of living spaces.
02
Prefabricated wood panels minimize construction impact on the historical site.
03
Public roof gardens enhance urban green space and promote sustainability.
04
Co-working Infinite Loop connects private and communal areas throughout the building.
05
Located along the less explored banks of the Tiber River, adding unique access to nature.

The design presents an innovative approach to living and working in Rome, focusing on the integration of co-living and co-working spaces. It addresses urban density challenges while encouraging connections among residents. The concept centers on prefabricated apartment units, promoting a modern lifestyle within the rich historical context of the city.

Design Concept
This project is built around prefabricated apartment units that assemble into a cohesive living environment. This method allows for efficient construction, making it adaptable to the complex needs of the densely populated area. A central feature of the design is the Co-working Infinite Loop, a circulation pathway that links different levels of the building. This loop promotes movement and interaction between residential and workspaces.

Spatial Organization
At the heart of the design is the idea of “La Vita Semplice,” which means "the simple life." This concept is reflected in the arrangement of spaces that balance public and private areas. Public spaces are carefully placed to encourage social interaction, while private units offer flexibility for individual needs. This thoughtful layout lessens feelings of isolation, allowing residents to engage with communal spaces as they choose.

Sustainable Features
Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, highlighted by the inclusion of roof gardens and agricultural areas. These features contribute to the project’s ecological benefits and create green spaces in the urban environment. Gardening and food production help connect residents to their surroundings, promoting an understanding of local ecology.

Materials and Context
The design utilizes wood prefabricated panels. These materials are lightweight, helping to reduce structural load. This choice also minimizes the construction impact on the historic environment, allowing for preservation of the area’s character. By positioning the development near the River Tiber, the design enhances living spaces while respecting the city’s architectural heritage.

The exterior showcases glass-like cubes fitted with adjustable shutters. These elements allow residents to control their privacy while welcoming natural light. The careful balance of social interaction and personal space creates an environment that is comfortable and inviting.

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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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