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Curved Green Terraces with Integrated Solar Solutions in Affordable Housing

Authors:
Abdellah El Moudden, Manjusha S
Curved Green Terraces with Integrated Solar Solutions in Affordable Housing
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The innovative use of meandering green terraces and a single skin façade featuring dense vegetation highlights a commitment to sustainability and community engagement in the development of affordable housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates dense vegetation in curving patterns that serve as resident balconies.
02
Solar panels are integrated into the southern-facing terraces for energy efficiency.
03
The project features designated community spaces like gardens, cycling areas, and a pet park.
04
Adaptive reuse of a parking garage maximizes existing infrastructure for residential use.
05
Stepped planning enhances natural light and provides expansive views of the ocean and city.

Curvscape is located at the Westfield UTC Shopping Center in San Diego, California. The aim is to convert an existing parking garage, built in 2010, into an affordable housing complex using a two-phase development approach. The design combines sustainable practices with urban living, creating a space that fosters community and addresses housing needs.

Concept and Design Features

The design features a single skin façade that wraps around the building. This façade includes dense vegetation arranged in curving patterns. These curves not only offer an appealing look but also create balconies for residents. The design connects the inside and outside, encouraging interaction with nature and enhancing the overall living experience.

Target Demographics and Accessibility

Curvscape focuses on a varied demographic including individuals over 50, families, and singles. The layout is designed to support these different groups by providing community amenities. Its location near shopping centers and schools makes it accessible and convenient for residents, further promoting a positive living environment.

Amenities and Organization

The structure consists of multiple levels, ranging from 1 to 55. Key amenities include a swimming pool situated on the 14th level and a bus transit area on the ground floor. The amenity space on level 6 features community gardens, cycling facilities, and a pet park, emphasizing the importance of outdoor leisure and community engagement.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The stepped design allows for ample daylight and offers views of the surrounding area. Solar panels on the green roof contribute to the building's energy efficiency. This focus on renewable energy reflects a commitment to environmentally friendly practices in urban housing.

Lush terraces with sunny exposures enhance the livability of the space, providing a calm refuge amid the urban setting.

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

`
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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