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Compact Cube with Wooden Facades and Rooftop Garden for Urban Living

Authors:
Maria Pia Assaf, Aline Abou Serhal
Compact Cube with Wooden Facades and Rooftop Garden for Urban Living
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A compact cube with wooden facades and a rooftop garden provides self-sufficient urban housing, designed to maximize space within dense city environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses adaptable sliding units for versatile interior configurations.
02
Incorporates a rooftop garden for sustainable urban greenery.
03
Designed to fit within the footprint of standard parking spaces.
04
Fixed wooden facades provide durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Starts as a compact 3x3 meter cube, expandable to 9 meters.

The POPUP HOUSE project aims to provide affordable housing in crowded urban areas facing a shortage of space. By designing micro-houses that fit within the footprint of standard parking spaces, it makes efficient use of underutilized land. The concept focuses on practicality and adaptability, creating self-sufficient living environments that are suitable for modern urban lifestyles.

Design Concept

The architecture of the POPUP HOUSE starts with a compact cube measuring 3x3 meters, which can expand to 9 meters. This modular design allows for the house to fit into different urban contexts, whether by extending onto existing buildings, utilizing vacant facades, or transforming rooftops into livable areas. The project also incorporates the “5th wall” idea, recognizing rooftops as valuable spaces that can enhance urban living.

Functional Layout

Each unit is designed to be self-sufficient, including essential features like a kitchen and bathroom along with adaptable living spaces. Fixed rooms with wooden facades serve as stable areas for sanitary needs, providing basic comfort. In addition, sliding rooms allow for flexible living spaces, which can change according to the occupants' activities. This adaptability is particularly useful in environments where space is limited.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important component of the POPUP HOUSE. The design integrates a mini rooftop garden that contributes to urban greenery while collecting rainwater for practical use. These features not only support environmental goals but also enhance the quality of life for residents by connecting them to nature within a cityscape.

Modular Options

The project includes various configurations to cater to different occupant needs. Options range from a compact unit with one bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, to an extension unit with additional bedrooms and living space, and a full extension version that accommodates larger families. This flexibility ensures that the design can adapt to the changing needs of its users over time.

Attention to detail in the sliding and fixed elements enhances the living experience, allowing for changes that reflect the demands of urban life. Each adjustment presents more options for customization, ensuring that these homes remain relevant and functional well into the future.

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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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