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Autonomous Living Village with Freehold Ownership and Shared Courtyards

Authors:
Graham Crist, Nicola Garrod, Fara Mosavari, Taylor Wiley
Autonomous Living Village with Freehold Ownership and Shared Courtyards
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With freehold ownership and a focus on autonomous transit, the design incorporates shared courtyards and compact living units to foster community engagement while addressing housing affordability in Greater London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Freehold land titles for each dwelling enhance resident ownership and connection to the community.
02
The design includes shared courtyards that promote social interaction among residents.
03
All units are designed for high-density living while maintaining compact footprints.
04
An autonomous bus service connects the community to central London, addressing commuting needs.
05
The project emphasizes sustainability through principles of recycling and upcycling in construction practices.

The design focused on housing affordability in Greater London responds to the ongoing challenges of urban living. It aims to address rising land prices and the demand for accessible homes through a thoughtful combination of strategies. The central idea promotes compact living, community connection, and the notion of ownership. This approach seeks to create a functional and welcoming environment for residents.

Spatial Configuration

The design includes two distinct types of dwellings to accommodate different household needs. The first option features a footprint of 31 square meters with a total area of 93 square meters. It offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a flexible front room, an open-plan kitchen, a living room, a roof terrace, and a private courtyard. The second option slightly increases the footprint to 36 square meters and a total area of 108 square meters, maintaining similar layouts. This modular approach maximizes land use while allowing residents to adapt their living spaces to fit their lifestyles.

Community Engagement

Incorporating communal spaces is central to the design, encouraging residents to interact and build relationships. Shared recreational areas and event spaces enhance community ties, making living here more inviting. The design promotes a car-free environment, with parking located at the edges of the development. This layout makes it easier for residents to walk or bike around the neighborhood, creating a more engaging and accessible atmosphere.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a key consideration throughout the design. Although specific materials are not detailed, the use of prefabrication indicates a commitment to resource efficiency. This method can help reduce waste during construction and improve environmental outcomes. Additionally, principles of recycling and upcycling feature prominently, aligning the project with modern sustainable practices that aim to minimize the ecological footprint.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

A central hub within the design serves both as a nexus for transportation and a venue for community events. This hub connects residents to autonomous bus services, making the one-hour commute more manageable. High-speed internet access is another important feature, ensuring that residents can stay connected with both their community and the larger world. This design choice accommodates contemporary living standards and supports the needs of those accustomed to a digital lifestyle.

Private courtyards and roof terraces add another layer to the living experience, offering personal outdoor spaces. These features encourage residents to spend time outside, promoting well-being and a connection to nature amid the urban surroundings.

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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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