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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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