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Aluminum Foam Panels Elevate Green Living Above Urban Parking

Authors:
Jinhyeok Yang, Doyeon Kim
Aluminum Foam Panels Elevate Green Living Above Urban Parking
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Elevated above urban parking, aluminum foam panels create a unique residential oasis that integrates lush green corridors and diverse living spaces, offering a functional and sustainable solution in Melbourne's congested central business district.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living spaces above urban parking lots enhance land use in Melbourne’s CBD.
02
Aluminum foam panels provide soundproofing and natural light filtration.
03
A linear park integrates two levels of green space, preserving existing historic trees.
04
Diverse housing typologies cater to various family sizes and promote community.
05
Designed to foster interaction between residents and nature in a dense urban setting.

In the central business district of Melbourne, an innovative design responds to the increasing need for housing amid population growth. By utilizing the space above existing parking lots, the project creates a combination of residential units and green areas. The overall design concept integrates living spaces with nature, providing a practical and inviting solution to urban challenges. This approach enhances the quality of life for residents while maximizing limited land resources in a bustling city.

Linear Residential Complex
The design features a linear arrangement where residential units sit above the parking infrastructure. This configuration effectively utilizes vertical space to make the most of the available land. Within this framework, the project offers a range of living options—single, double, and four-person units—that accommodate different family sizes. This variety encourages a sense of community while addressing the individual needs of residents.

Integration of Nature
A notable aspect of the design is its strong focus on incorporating natural elements. The residential area is characterized by lush corridors that provide a connection to nature, promoting well-being among residents. Walls made from aluminum foam panels serve important functions; they help with soundproofing and allow natural light to fill the living spaces. This thoughtful approach creates a welcoming atmosphere where the line between inside and outside is less defined.

Multi-layered Park
Central to the design is a linear park with two distinct layers. The ground level features the preservation of historic trees, ensuring that the area maintains its connection to the environment and history. The upper layer serves as a green retreat, offering a space for relaxation and recreation. This layered park not only enhances the urban landscape but also supports biodiversity, providing a place for nature to thrive in the city.

The project's layout encourages social interaction while promoting a healthier lifestyle. Elevated above the busy streets, the residences create a living experience that fosters community engagement alongside access to green spaces. In addition, hanging plants from the roof gardens soften the building's structure and provide a visual connection to the natural world, enriching daily life in an urban setting.

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

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Competition organisers

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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