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Elevated Living Spaces with Precast Concrete and Glass Facades in Urban Environments

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Elevated Living Spaces with Precast Concrete and Glass Facades in Urban Environments
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Elevating residential units above ground, this design incorporates modular living spaces with precast concrete and glass facades, fostering a vibrant community hub in a dense urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living spaces utilize a modular design approach for flexibility.
02
Ground-level areas are dedicated to public interaction and communal activities.
03
Integration of biophilic elements features greenery throughout the structure.
04
Precast concrete components enhance construction efficiency and sustainability.
05
Glass facades maximize natural light while maintaining transparency with the urban environment.

## Overview

The Inverted Tower of Babel is situated in an urban context characterized by high-density living and diverse communities. It addresses the critical need for affordable housing while creating a vibrant public space that fosters interaction and engagement among residents and visitors. The design serves as a structural and conceptual bridge, encouraging communication and unity across different societal groups.

## Spatial Strategy

The design features an innovative spatial strategy that elevates living quarters above ground level, transforming the lower levels into accessible public spaces. This arrangement facilitates various activities, including social events, markets, and recreational areas, prioritizing interaction among residents and visitors. The approach enhances community engagement and mitigates the physical limitations typically associated with vertical living structures.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural framework employs a diverse array of materials that serve both structural integrity and aesthetic purposes. Concrete provides the necessary strength, while glass facades enhance transparency and natural light within living spaces. Steel supports elevated modules, ensuring stability, and wood is used for interior finishes, contributing warmth and comfort. The project's biophilic design incorporates terraces and gardens, reintroducing nature into urban living and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Overall, the materials chosen reflect a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint while maximizing utility.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
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