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Colorful Collective Spaces with Porcelain and Steel Integration

Author:
Alejandro Orbe
Colorful Collective Spaces with Porcelain and Steel Integration
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With a focus on colorful collective spaces and integration of porcelain and steel, the Diagonal Building provides flexible, affordable housing solutions for low-income families in Las Vegas Downtown.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular housing units adapt to family sizes from 1 to 5 residents.
02
A top-floor co-living area accommodates 9 individuals for communal living.
03
Collective spaces are arranged diagonally to enhance social interaction.
04
The design incorporates a greywater collection system for water reuse.
05
Community garden on the roof promotes ecological awareness and green space.

The Diagonal Building is located in Las Vegas Downtown and aims to meet the demand for affordable housing for low-income families. It embodies a design focused on affordability, flexibility, and efficiency, creating a sustainable living option in an urban setting. Modular housing solutions allow for adaptable living spaces, making it a practical choice for diverse residents.

Design Concept and Modular Housing

The design employs modular housing units that can accommodate between 1 to 5 residents. A larger co-living space on the top floor is intended for 9 people, promoting shared living. This variety of housing configurations addresses the different needs of families, making the spaces versatile and functional.

Collective Spaces and Vertical Organization

The building’s layout includes two vertical circulation cores and a diagonal arrangement of collective spaces. These spaces connect different sections of the building and encourage social interaction among residents. This design creates an engaging pattern of "fulls and voids," enhanced with lively colors that distinguish communal areas and foster a sense of community.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is important in the design of the Diagonal Building. The structure is built to adapt to the solar conditions typical of Las Vegas, ensuring proper insulation and ventilation. It incorporates a solar panel system for energy efficiency and a greywater collector for recycling water. A community garden on the top floor adds green space while promoting ecological responsibility in the urban environment.

Materials and Finishes

Materials used in the Diagonal Building are chosen for their durability and visual appeal. Porcelain and gypsum contribute to a strong yet cohesive interior, while steel elements provide structural support. These selections allow for flexible arrangements within the spaces, enhancing comfort and usability for residents.

The exterior design features a diagonal layout along with bright colors, which create visual interest. The arrangement encourages residents to explore and interact with their environment, enriching their living experience.

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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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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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