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Translucent Facades and Communal Spaces Enhanced by Durable Concrete and Timber in an Urban Residential Development

Authors:
Miruna-stefana Agachi, Iulia Cazacu
Translucent Facades and Communal Spaces Enhanced by Durable Concrete and Timber in an Urban Residential Development

Project in-detail

Showcasing translucent facades crafted from extensive glazing and warm timber accents, this urban residential development prioritizes communal interaction and adaptability within its diverse living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent facades enhance natural light and create a visual connection to the outdoors.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles contributes to building durability and a distinct aesthetic.
03
Adaptable floor plans allow for varying family sizes, catering to diverse residents.
04
Extensive communal spaces promote social interaction within the residential setting.
05
Sustainable materials focus on environmental sensitivity while reflecting local craftsmanship.

## Project Overview
Located in Rahova, a district near the center of Bucharest, Romania, the initiative aims to improve community spaces and housing quality in a region marked by socio-economic challenges and a legacy of collective housing from the communist era. The design draws upon the local culture and existing living arrangements, focusing on creating a new collective housing structure that effectively bridges individual homes and apartment complexes, while enhancing the overall urban fabric.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement
The layout is informed by the surrounding urban environment, strategically positioning the building to promote natural light and encourage communal interaction. A key feature of the design is the incorporation of semi-public areas that extend beyond individual dwelling units, fostering social connectivity among residents. A designated ground floor is dedicated to public activities, further engaging the wider community and reinforcing a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. Apartment configurations are designed to meet the diverse needs of residents, accommodating varying family sizes from studios to three-room apartments, ensuring a flexible living experience.

## Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Materiality plays a crucial role in establishing the project’s identity and aligning with local architectural vernacular. The use of durable concrete forms the structural framework, while warm wooden elements enhance the comfort of communal spaces. Glass facades ensure transparency and natural illumination, creating a visual connection to the outdoors. Masonry elements are integrated to reflect local craftsmanship, contributing to a robust aesthetic. Thoughtful dual orientation enhances daylight exposure and energy efficiency, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability while encouraging resilience in the community.

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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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