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Dynamic Facade of Staggered Units in Colorful Concrete Housing

Author:
Leonid Emdin
Dynamic Facade of Staggered Units in Colorful Concrete Housing
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A vibrant mosaic of staggered concrete units, this housing development integrates vertical planters and a playful color scheme, efficiently addressing the needs of urban living while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's design incorporates a dynamic, pixelated arrangement of colorfully staggered concrete units.
02
Vertical planters are integrated into the external staircases, enhancing urban greenery and biodiversity.
03
Each residential unit varies in size and layout, addressing the diverse needs of families.
04
The vibrant color palette features seven distinct shades, contributing to the building's visual identity.
05
Natural light is maximized through expansive reinforced glass windows, creating airy living spaces.

**Overview**
Located in Hong Kong, the Pixel Homes project presents an innovative solution to the challenges of high-density urban living. The design capitalizes on modularity, characterized by a series of interlinked volumetric units that represent individual living spaces, or "pixels." Each unit is arranged in a dynamic formation, slightly shifting from its neighbors to create a visually stimulating façade that reflects the complexities of urban life. The intent is to foster a diverse community within a compact urban fabric while addressing the spatial constraints typical of high-density environments.

**Spatial Strategy and Access**
The building features a unique structural configuration with a square base measuring 10 by 10 meters, structured in a vertical, spiraling arrangement. A central elevator shaft optimizes vertical circulation, while open, interconnected staircases provide external access to residences. These staircases integrate planters that enhance the interplay between built structures and greenery, promoting a harmonious relationship with nature. The layout encourages movement and interaction among residents, reinforcing community engagement in an otherwise densely populated area.

**Material and Color Palette**
The design employs vibrant colors and diverse textures to evoke a lively atmosphere. The exterior showcases seven distinct finishes—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark blue, and purple—while the pixelated wall textures echo digital imagery, emphasizing themes of connectivity. Notable materials include concrete for structural integrity, reinforced glass for natural lighting, and painted finishes that contribute to both aesthetic diversity and environmental adaptation. Vertical green spaces are incorporated through planters, further enhancing the ecological footprint of the project and promoting air quality improvement within the urban landscape.

**Community and Sustainability Principles**
The integration of external staircases and green spaces cultivates opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community among residents. In addition to aesthetic benefits, the vegetation supports urban biodiversity and enhances ecological performance by utilizing local climate conditions for sustainable design. The expressive façade not only enriches the visual identity of the building but also facilitates a participatory experience for residents and visitors alike, aligning with contemporary architectural practices focused on user-centered environments.

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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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