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Affordable Multi-Family Housing with Modular Units and Green Spaces

Author:
Yuhan Gu
Affordable Multi-Family Housing with Modular Units and Green Spaces
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With modular units and dedicated green spaces, the design emphasizes affordable multi-family housing to address the growing demand in Melbourne's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for adaptability in various family sizes.
02
Dedicated green spaces integrated throughout the residential complex.
03
Focus on affordability to meet the urgent housing needs in Melbourne.
04
Architectural grammar applied to enhance functional and aesthetic qualities.
05
Community-oriented layout promotes interaction among residents.

The design emerges in the urban setting of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, responding to the urgent demand for housing resulting from significant population growth. With a growth rate of 2.7% from 2016 to 2017, the city gained 125,000 residents. As Melbourne projects a population exceeding five million by 2021, the design focuses on creating housing that is both functional and accessible. The approach employs architectural grammar, aiming to develop spaces that reflect the city’s diverse culture while addressing challenges related to affordability and living standards.

Analysis of Housing Dynamics

An examination of the housing market reveals that average prices in Greater Melbourne are around $836,000. Properties that meet the needs of families, usually around 105 square meters, are priced at about $614,000. This reality poses a significant challenge for many potential homeowners. The design seeks to offer a range of housing types that accommodate different family structures and economic situations, ultimately enhancing overall living conditions in the area.

Spatial Organization and Community Integration

Key to the design is the way spaces are organized to promote community connections and comfort. Living rooms, bedrooms, and shared areas like playgrounds are integrated to encourage interaction among residents. Alongside these features, gardens and pathways contribute to a pleasant environment, offering both visual appeal and green spaces that enhance well-being and sustainability.

Design Features and Functionality

To optimize functionality, the design incorporates various features that cater to the needs of diverse residents. Roof styles and modular living units create flexible options for households, including single-parent families and individuals. Accessibility is further enhanced through features like elevators, ensuring ease of movement within the living spaces.

The use of architectural grammar as a guiding principle aids in articulating a coherent vision for urban living. Each design element is carefully considered to fulfill its practical role while contributing positively to the community atmosphere. The arrangement of gardens throughout the area adds a touch of nature to everyday life, helping to create a welcoming space that fosters both personal privacy and community interaction.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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