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Elevated Modular Housing with Steel Framework and Transparent Facades Amidst Urban Greenery

Elevated Modular Housing with Steel Framework and Transparent Facades Amidst Urban Greenery
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Elevated modular housing constructed using a steel framework and prefabricated panels integrates transparent facades with community-centric public spaces to address urban living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated modular units integrate green roofs to enhance biodiversity.
02
Transparent facades optimize natural light and visual connectivity.
03
Prefabricated panels enable rapid assembly and flexibility in layout.
04
Community markets are strategically located within public spaces.
05
Steel framework supports resilience against urban climate challenges.

## Overview

Located along the Mystic River in Massachusetts, the proposal aims to address urban displacement and socio-economic disparities through a flexible architectural approach. The design considers the complex historical and socio-economic narratives of the area while prioritizing modularity and community-oriented living. The intention is to create a resilient housing solution that adapts to the evolving needs of residents and encourages social interaction.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

This proposal adopts a modular structure that accommodates varied living arrangements, facilitating adaptability in response to economic changes. By organizing the housing units into interconnected clusters, the design fosters a sense of community through shared public spaces. Key features include market areas, recreational facilities, and pedestrian pathways, which enhance connectivity and promote social engagement among diverse user groups. The layout is intentionally designed to mitigate isolation and encourage community participation.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Focus

The material palette is carefully chosen to support both aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability. The use of a steel framework provides robust structural integrity for the modular components, while prefabricated panels in varied colors contribute to a visually engaging façade. Glass facades enhance transparency and natural lighting, creating inviting interior environments. Concrete underpins the project’s durability, and wood accents in communal areas lend warmth to the overall atmosphere. This assortment of materials not only reduces carbon footprints but also aligns with the project’s commitment to integrating with the local environmental context.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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

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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.

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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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