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Elevated Community Living with Rooftop Green Spaces

Author:
Dora Figueroa
Elevated Community Living with Rooftop Green Spaces
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With modular construction and elevated platforms that preserve land and integrate green spaces, the design provides a self-sufficient community focused on accessibility and diverse housing options.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique modular construction allows for easy adaptation to site conditions.
02
Elevated structures minimize land occupation while preserving green areas.
03
Community amenities are integrated within a 20-minute walking distance.
04
Diverse housing options cater to varying income levels for inclusivity.
05
Rooftop gardens provide recreational space and enhance biodiversity.

The design located in Melbourne, Australia, aims to tackle the challenges of affordable living and sustainability in an urban setting. By focusing on accessibility, the layout allows residents to meet most of their daily needs within a brief 20-minute journey, whether by walking, biking, or using public transport. The overall concept creates a community that is both self-sufficient and resilient, prioritizing both environmental and social well-being.

Community Structure

A range of housing types has been developed to serve various income levels. From luxury homes to affordable rental units, the design promotes inclusivity and ensures that residents from different economic backgrounds can coexist. Modular constructions are employed to allow for flexibility, adapting to specific site conditions and encouraging innovative uses of space throughout the community.

Spatial Organization

Essential community amenities are strategically placed within the environment. The first level features parks, while affordable housing units are located on Level 03. Level 04 is dedicated to recreational activities, including a playground-amphitheater. These elements are designed to enhance social interactions among residents, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.

Sustainability and Land Preservation

A significant focus of the design is land preservation, with new structures carefully integrated into existing landscapes. Elevated buildings reduce the impact on the ground, reflecting a commitment to ecological balance. Green spaces play a crucial role in this project, supporting a vision of net-zero sustainability and highlighting the importance of nature in urban life.

The design includes a rooftop community garden, providing an elevated green area that encourages leisure and biodiversity. This space not only enhances the living environment but also connects residents to nature, fostering a community that values both social interaction and environmental stewardship.

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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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