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Cylindrical Community Space Featuring Glass Facades and Natural Wood Elements

Cylindrical Community Space Featuring Glass Facades and Natural Wood Elements
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Cylindrical forms of cross-laminated timber panels and expansive glass facades redefine urban living by creating a multifunctional community space atop Manhattan rooftops.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical water tank forms dominate the design, enhancing spatial efficiency and urban aesthetics.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support while contributing to a sustainable framework.
03
Ample glass facades ensure natural light penetrates deep into communal areas and residential spaces.
04
Rooftop gardens integrate greenery into the urban fabric and promote biodiversity.
05
Flexible spaces accommodate multiple functions, fostering community engagement and interaction.

### Overview

Located in Manhattan, New York, the project draws upon the architectural legacy of the city's iconic water tank structures. These traditional elements, found atop many buildings throughout the urban landscape, serve as both functional and historical touchpoints. The design reinterprets these water tanks as multifunctional spaces, integrating contemporary living and community engagement while respecting the architectural context of the area.

### Spatial Transformation

The design consists of cylindrical forms that mirror the profile of existing water tanks, repurposed to include residential units, communal areas, and observation platforms. This spatial strategy emphasizes adaptability, reflecting diverse uses while fostering social interaction among residents. Rooftop gardens are integrated into the design, promoting community interaction and enhancing the urban ecology.

### Materiality and Aesthetics

Material selection plays a critical role in articulating the concept of transformation. Proposed materials include wood for warmth, metal to honor the industrial character of traditional tanks, glass to enhance transparency and connectivity, and steel for structural integrity. The aesthetic composition features a combination of open and enclosed spaces, harnessing natural light through large windows and glass facades. Vertical lines echoing water tanks define the façade, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that elevates the overall visual experience.

These elements not only preserve the historical essence of the water tanks but also address contemporary urban living needs, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to architecture within a dense metropolitan environment.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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