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Ceramic Cladding Meets Vertical Greenery in a Community Hub

Authors:
Eliah Cappi, Shaowen Zhang, Philip Richardson
Ceramic Cladding Meets Vertical Greenery in a Community Hub
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Combining ceramic cladding and vertical greenery, the design enhances community engagement while providing essential spaces for commerce and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced ceramic tiles for enhanced aesthetic integration.
02
Incorporates a multifunctional Roof Garden to promote biodiversity.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design for optimal light distribution.
04
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to improve energy efficiency.
05
Design adapts to the surrounding urban context, enhancing community interaction.

## Overview

"Contingent Crossing" is situated in an urban environment that reflects both cultural heritage and modern vitality. The design aims to enhance interconnectivity among diverse community needs, fostering interactions that bridge tradition and innovation. By integrating multiple social and physical contexts, the project seeks to create spaces conducive to dialogue and engagement.

## Spatial Organization and Program Distribution

The layout demonstrates a strategic approach to circulation and interaction, with distinct zones that encourage community involvement. The ground level features an accessible entrance leading to public spaces such as a Fashion Market and various community facilities. Pathways and gathering areas are deliberately placed to enhance pedestrian flow and strengthen connections within the site and the surrounding urban landscape.

The upper levels accommodate multifunctional spaces, including classrooms, offices, and conference areas. This design maximizes vertical density to optimize light exposure and views. The inclusion of a Roof Garden not only serves recreational purposes but also promotes local biodiversity, contributing to the ecological sustainability of the project.

## Materiality and Environmental Impact

The facade of "Contingent Crossing" reflects both modern architectural principles and the region's cultural motifs through a nuanced combination of materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. Concrete provides structural durability, while glass enhances transparency and brightness in interior spaces. Steel supports the architectural framework, showcasing contemporary design methods. The use of ceramic tiles or similar materials on the facade links the building to local craftsmanship, enriching the visual character of the site.

Sustainability is prioritized through passive design strategies, including natural ventilation and daylight harvesting. The green roofs reduce urban heat, enhance air quality, and facilitate community engagement with nature, further promoting well-being in this urban context. The conceptual design encourages an interactive experience among users, enhancing social cohesion and cultural exchange while addressing environmental stewardship.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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