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Elevated Living Above Transit with Engineered Wood and Polycarbonate Integration

Authors:
Harry Mills, Simon Dellosa, Cathy Hua
Elevated Living Above Transit with Engineered Wood and Polycarbonate Integration
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Constructed above railway corridors, this housing initiative utilizes engineered wood and polycarbonate elements to create a flexible and affordable living environment that enhances urban connectivity and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed directly above existing railway lines, maximizing land use efficiency.
02
Incorporates polycarbonate panels for enhanced natural light and energy performance.
03
Designed with modular residential units to adapt to changing community needs.
04
Integrates public plazas to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Utilizes engineered wood for structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.

### Project Overview
The Enclosing Tracks initiative is a housing strategy located near Newtown Station in Sydney, New South Wales, aimed at addressing urban density, lifestyle disparity, and housing affordability. By utilizing existing railway infrastructure, the proposal seeks to mitigate issues associated with urban expansion while enhancing community engagement and public amenities.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design features residential units constructed above elevated railway lines, promoting a modular structure that accommodates various household sizes. This arrangement is intended to optimize light and ventilation in each apartment, while allowing for flexible layouts. Public plaza areas are integrated into the design, fostering communal interaction and enhancing connectivity between different demographics through a thoughtfully interconnected urban fabric. A public walkway runs through the development, ensuring easy access to transportation hubs and promoting pedestrian and cyclist accessibility.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials to emphasize sustainability and local craftsmanship. Engineered wood is used for its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, while polycarbonate panels facilitate natural light penetration with an energetic façade. Concrete forms the foundational elements, providing durability and resilience. This hybrid material approach not only enhances functional performance but also reinforces the integration with the surrounding environment, further contributing to the project’s sustainable objectives.

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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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