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Elevated Earth Housing with Integrated Rainwater Systems

Author:
Elena Pistiloglou
Elevated Earth Housing with Integrated Rainwater Systems
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Elevated above the ground, this housing utilizes earth and wooden frames, integrating a rainwater collection system while preserving green spaces, to provide affordable living options in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated housing units allow for natural airflow and light access beneath.
02
Earth used as a primary building material enhances sustainability.
03
Integrated rainwater collection system reduces water dependency.
04
Wooden frames offer flexibility in design and aesthetics.
05
Strategic site selection promotes green space within urban density.

The proposed design addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in London, a city known for its dense urban landscape. The approach focuses on using prefabricated elements, with earth as the primary material enclosed within wooden frames. This choice not only aims to reduce construction costs but also aligns with sustainable practices. The housing integrates living spaces within green areas, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes the coexistence of residential units and green spaces. By elevating the homes several meters off the ground, the project preserves existing parkland and promotes a balance with nature. This elevation allows light and air to flow freely around and beneath the units, enhancing the quality of life for residents while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.

Materials and Structure

Wooden facades and brick are employed to provide flexibility in design, catering to various economic needs and personal preferences. The use of these materials ensures a robust structure while allowing for different aesthetic expressions. The arrangement of the housing units is centered around vertical axis columns, which not only reinforces the overall framework but also optimizes the spatial layout.

Water Management System

An important feature is the rainwater collection system made of vertical blinds that capture rainwater and direct it into small storage tanks. This system offers a practical solution for domestic water use, particularly where clean water is not necessary. By promoting water conservation, the design reflects a commitment to resource efficiency and sustainability.

Urban Integration

The project’s site selection strategically utilizes underused urban areas, such as the spaces between roads and adjacent parks. This choice enhances urban density without compromising green areas. Additionally, a phased development approach allows for adjustment based on community needs, ensuring that the housing remains relevant to the population it serves.

The arrangement of the living units offers a variety of layouts, making them suitable for different lifestyles. This flexibility enhances the user experience and fosters a sense of community within the residential environment. Each detail contributes to a vibrant and supportive living space.

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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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