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Elevated Community Spaces with Multi-Level Integration

Authors:
Arsh Khanna, Anandit Sharma
Elevated Community Spaces with Multi-Level Integration
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An elevated community house provides panoramic views while integrating multi-level spaces designed for social interaction and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated community house offers views of the surrounding volcano.
02
Multi-level layout encourages social interaction among visitors.
03
Sociopetal spaces are integrated to promote fluid movement.
04
Designed to facilitate circular economy principles within the community.
05
Includes a shared plaza connecting various functional areas.

The project titled "NORMALISE FOR THE NORMAL EYES" is located in Iceland and focuses on integrating the circular economy into community spaces. It emphasizes transparency and accessibility, creating connections among residents while addressing important environmental issues through thoughtful design. Utilizing the unique landscape, the project forms a layout that encourages interaction and exploration.

Concept and Functionality

The goal is to establish a communal area that promotes engagement and awareness of sustainable practices within the local population. Key components include a second-hand resource exchange building, an exhibition area, a tourist motel, thrift stores, an organic waste collection zone, a community center, a restaurant and café, a public greenhouse, a bio waste management building, and a depot. By strategically placing these elements, the design ensures ease of access while encouraging social connections.

Architectural Features

The design includes a community house elevated to provide impressive views of the nearby volcano. This elevation not only improves the visual experience but also serves as an important focal point for community gatherings. Varied levels within the layout maximize opportunities for engagement and create an environment that invites exploration and interaction.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside the main building, a sociopetal deformed space encourages visitor movement and flow throughout the interior. It opens into a hallway that leads to a main hall designed for various activities. This arrangement enhances the experience for users by promoting social interactions. Recreational rooms on the upper floor are placed near the restaurant area, making it easy for community members to interact.

Plaza and Viewing Platform

A shared roof structure above the main building, restaurant, and greenhouse creates a plaza and viewing platform. This outdoor space is designed for gatherings and reinforces communal ties. It connects users directly to the surrounding environment, supporting a holistic approach to living within the community. The design reflects a clear commitment to sustainable practices, inviting all residents to participate in a shared vision of a more interconnected future.

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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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