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Community Living Enhanced by Shared-Ownership Spaces

Authors:
Juan Carlos Medina Pereyra, Diana Marisol Narvaez Berlanga, Maria Jose Montero Lopez
Community Living Enhanced by Shared-Ownership Spaces
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Shared-ownership spaces designed to foster community interaction complement a flexible living environment in Toronto, addressing the rising demand for affordable housing while promoting economic sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shared-ownership spaces promote community engagement and social interaction among residents.
02
The design includes flexible living areas that adapt to the evolving needs of families.
03
Revenue-generating opportunities arise from sharing and renting shared ownerships.
04
Community gardens enhance green space and provide a hub for interaction.
05
The project emphasizes economic sustainability in an urban environment.

The design addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in Toronto. It envisions a living environment that goes beyond the basic function of providing shelter. The concept integrates spaces for various activities such as learning, working, exercising, and socializing. By focusing on community and interaction, the design redefines how homes can support modern lifestyles.

Shared-Ownership Spaces

Central to the design are the shared-ownership spaces. These areas encourage residents to meet and interact without losing their individual privacy. They are carefully positioned to create opportunities for connection while allowing personal space. This approach balances community engagement with the need for private living quarters. It recognizes that social ties are crucial for a supportive living environment.

Economic Sustainability

The project incorporates a model of economic sustainability by allowing residents to share, donate, or rent their shared ownerships. This feature can generate additional income, which helps in maintaining the building and reduces the financial burden on residents. This model creates a supportive financial structure that benefits both individuals and the wider community. It highlights how thoughtful design can promote financial stability in urban settings.

Adaptability and Functionality

Adaptability is a key principle in the design. Living spaces are flexible to meet the changing needs of families over time. The design acknowledges that urban populations are dynamic; thus, homes must be able to adjust accordingly. Functionality is enhanced through designated areas like libraries, meeting rooms, and fitness spaces. These facilitate various activities and encourage residents to make full use of their living environment.

The careful melding of these features results in a living experience that is relevant to today’s urban life. Alongside these shared spaces, a community garden offers a quiet spot for relaxation and connection with nature. This element adds another layer to the living environment, supporting both personal reflection and community engagement.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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