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Climbing Walls and Expanded Metal Mesh Intertwined Within Durable Concrete Housing Solutions

Climbing Walls and Expanded Metal Mesh Intertwined Within Durable Concrete Housing Solutions
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Incorporating climbing walls and expanded metal mesh into a concrete structure, this design transforms the concept of residential living in Kharkiv, creating a multifunctional space that invites community engagement and play.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates climbing walls into the building façade as part of the residential experience.
02
Utilizes expanded metal mesh for safety in play areas while enhancing visual transparency.
03
Features modular spaces that adapt to changing community needs and activities.
04
Combines durable concrete with vibrant colors to create a visually engaging environment.
05
Emphasizes threshold spaces that encourage social interaction among residents.

### Overview

Located in Kharkiv's North Saltivka neighborhood, the "Monumental Playground, Playable Monument" project represents a response to the post-war reconstruction of the area. The design integrates residential elements with spaces for play and community engagement, ultimately turning the site into a multifunctional space that meets housing demands while acknowledging the region's historical context of conflict. This dual function aims to repurpose the remnants of war into opportunities for positive communal experiences.

### Conceptual Framework

**Memory and Interaction:** The design concept revolves around the idea of the "playable monument," serving as a living memorial that allows residents to engage with their history. This approach promotes resilience and collective memory, encouraging community interaction through recreational activities that are interwoven with the site's historical narrative.

**Community and Functionality:** By prioritizing user experience, the architecture features play areas that cater to residents of all ages. These spaces are crafted to support everyday living while fostering social interactions, thereby enhancing community bonds. The incorporation of threshold spaces facilitates transitions between public and private areas, inviting a mix of solitary and communal use.

### Material Choice and Architectural Features

The project's exterior showcases a varied façade that integrates multiple materials, contributing to an engaging environment:

- **Adaptive Play Structures:** Features such as climbing walls incorporated into the façade establish a dynamic relationship between recreation and the building's architecture, promoting physical engagement and exploration.
- **Use of Vivid Textures:** The design employs a palette of bright colors and varied textures, encouraging interaction and creating a lively visual identity that signifies community vibrancy.
- **Outdoor Gathering Areas:** Emphasizing open spaces supports social interactions essential for building community cohesion.

**Materials Utilized:**
1. **Concrete:** Provides structural strength and durability.
2. **Expanded Metal Mesh:** Ensures safety in climbing applications while maintaining visibility.
3. **Wood:** Offers warmth and organic qualities for temporary structures.
4. **Textiles (Tensile Membrane and Cloth):** Enhance flexibility in functionality and provide shading.

### Innovative Spatial Solutions

The project employs a modular approach to design, enabling adaptability and flexibility in use:

- **Vertical Play Areas:** Features like the climbable façade and vertical playground encourage physical activity and social interaction.
- **Recreational Focused Zones:** Spaces utilizing trampolines and soft flooring promote leisure and playful engagement among users.

In addressing the social dynamics of contemporary residential architecture, the design aims to redefine public and private space through elements that encourage community-oriented interactions. Features such as transitional zones facilitate engagement, allowing residents to interact meaningfully within the architectural framework.

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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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