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Curvaceous Glass Façade and Sustainable Solar Panels Redefine Urban Living in Adaptive Reuse Housing

Authors:
Abdellah El moudden, Manjusha S
Curvaceous Glass Façade and Sustainable Solar Panels Redefine Urban Living in Adaptive Reuse Housing

Project in-detail

Wavy glass panels envelop a transformed parking structure, seamlessly integrating solar energy solutions and verdant community spaces to provide affordable urban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a wavy glass façade that enhances natural light while creating a visually appealing silhouette.
02
Solar panels are integrated into the building's green roof, promoting sustainable energy use for residents.
03
Community gardens are strategically placed throughout the property, fostering biodiversity and outdoor engagement.
04
The project repurposes an existing parking garage, showcasing innovative adaptive reuse for urban housing.
05
Terraced balconies offer residents private green space and views, seamlessly blending nature with urban living.
Curvscape is an architectural project situated in the Westfield UTC Shopping Center in San Diego, California, designed to address the current housing challenges faced by urban populations. The project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban living, focusing on the transformation of an existing parking garage built in 2010 into a mixed-use residential space, specifically targeting affordable housing. This redevelopment responds to the pressing need for sustainable solutions within the urban fabric, showcasing how architecture can adapt to meet changing community needs.

The function of Curvscape is multi-faceted, providing not only residential units but also creating communal spaces that enhance social interaction and community cohesion. The design features a diverse range of living options, tailored to accommodate families, singles, and senior citizens. The thoughtful arrangement of the residential units aims to foster a sense of community while maintaining individual privacy. Curvscape serves as a model for modern urban living, combining affordability with accessibility, thereby contributing to a more integrated community.

One of the key aspects of Curvscape is its architectural form. The building's flowing curves create an appealing silhouette that distinguishes it from traditional rectangular structures. This design choice not only enhances visual interest but also has practical implications, such as optimizing natural light and airflow throughout the building. The stepped design facilitates the penetration of daylight into living spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to overall energy efficiency.

The project incorporates a variety of materials that complement its architectural vision. The extensive use of glass in the façade emphasizes transparency, creating a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the surrounding environment. The glass cladding allows natural light to flood into the interiors, enhancing the well-being of residents. The integration of solar panels on the green roof highlights a commitment to renewable energy, further strengthening the project’s sustainability credentials.

In addition to its aesthetic and functional elements, Curvscape prioritizes landscaping and green spaces as integral parts of the design. The incorporation of terraced gardens and communal green areas promotes biodiversity, providing habitats for local flora and fauna while also offering residents accessible outdoor spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. The consideration for ecological balance makes this project a relevant example of how urban architecture can harmonize with its natural surroundings.

Curvscape also strategically embraces public transport integration, enhancing connectivity between residential areas and essential services. Located within close proximity to public transit options, including the MTS Transit Line and trolley connections, the design encourages sustainable transportation methods, thus reducing reliance on personal vehicles. This promotes a lifestyle that values walking, cycling, and community engagement.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The adaptive reuse strategy employed here not only revitalizes an underutilized structure but also reflects a broader trend in architecture toward sustainability and resourcefulness. By transforming a parking garage into a vibrant community space, Curvscape stands as a testament to the potential of reimagining existing urban fabrics to meet contemporary needs.

The project embodies numerous architectural ideas and principles that resonate with current trends in urban development. By focusing on the dual aspects of community integration and environmental responsibility, Curvscape serves as a practical example of how innovative design can foster livable and affordable urban environments. The intricacies of its architectural plans and sections reveal further depth in thought and execution, presenting a holistic view of modern housing solutions.

For those interested in learning more about Curvscape, the details captured in architectural designs, plans, and sections offer a comprehensive understanding of how this project addresses urban living challenges while emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Exploring these elements will provide deeper insights into the potential of contemporary architecture to create meaningful spaces for diverse urban populations.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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