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Elevated Steel Trusses and Glass Façade Integrate Residential Units Above Urban Thoroughfare

Elevated Steel Trusses and Glass Façade Integrate Residential Units Above Urban Thoroughfare
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Elevated steel trusses support a glass façade that houses efficient residential units above a busy urban intersection, integrating living space with essential public infrastructure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated residential units are constructed using steel trusses, allowing for unobstructed views and natural light.
02
The project integrates commercial spaces on the ground floor to enhance community engagement.
03
A distinct red-painted steel aesthetic provides a visual landmark within the urban landscape.
04
Landscaping elements are incorporated into the design to promote ecological sustainability and enhance user experience.
05
Natural ventilation strategies are embedded, reducing dependency on mechanical climate control systems.

### Project Overview

**Project Title**: Urban Alberge: Pilgrim’s Lodging
**Location**: Kaywon University Intersection, Pangyo-dong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

Urban Alberge is designed as a multi-functional space within an urban context, aiming to fulfill diverse accommodation needs and enhance social interaction. The concept of a pilgrim's lodging reflects the transient nature of individuals in metropolitan environments, particularly in Seongnam, known for its high traffic and pedestrian activity. The design addresses urban housing needs while accommodating the dynamics of public transit, serving as a connector between ground level and elevated urban areas, thus promoting interaction among students, travelers, and local residents.

### Structural Integration and User Engagement

The architectural strategy employs a multi-layered approach, incorporating residential units situated above the Kaywon University intersection. This configuration creates a pedestrian-oriented experience while providing a vital link between distinct urban sections, acknowledging the challenges posed by current infrastructure, such as overpasses. The ground level features commercial spaces and public areas, facilitating safe pedestrian movement and fostering community interaction.

### Material Palette and Sustainability Features

The choice of materials prioritizes durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Concrete serves as the primary structural component, ensuring robustness, while steel trusses, highlighted in red, contribute to both structural reinforcement and visual definition. Extensive glazing is strategically integrated into residential units to enhance natural light and panoramic views of the cityscape. Sustainable design principles are embedded throughout, with orientation and natural ventilation methods aimed at optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing dependence on artificial climate control. Landscaping elements are also incorporated to mitigate the urban environment's harshness and improve user experience through greenery.

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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

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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
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