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Fiber Cement Facades and Transparent Glass Elevate Urban Living in Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Fiber Cement Facades and Transparent Glass Elevate Urban Living in Sustainable Mixed-Use Development
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Utilizing fiber cement facades and extensive glass elements, the development seamlessly integrates sustainable materials to foster a vibrant community hub that combines residential and office spaces within an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and visual connectivity.
02
Incorporates fiber cement panels with varied textures for enhanced aesthetic appeal.
03
Features balconies that extend living spaces, promoting outdoor engagement.
04
Designed with flexible office spaces to accommodate diverse work styles.
05
Strategically located green spaces enhance community interaction and outdoor access.

**Project Overview**

Located in the South of Market (SoMa) district of San Francisco, 690 Harrison combines residential and office spaces to meet the demands of urban density while emphasizing sustainability and functionality. The design aims to create a cohesive living and working environment, taking into account the unique characteristics of the urban context. By integrating diverse uses within a single structure, 690 Harrison facilitates community engagement and enhances the overall urban landscape.

**Sustainability and Efficiency**

Central to this project is a commitment to sustainable practices. Strategic window placements maximize daylight exposure and reduce reliance on artificial lighting, while computational design techniques have optimized the building’s form and orientation to lower energy costs. Detailed assessments of solar exposure throughout the day inform these design choices, reflecting a proactive approach to environmental considerations.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**

The layout prioritizes interaction among residents and professionals. Ground-floor zones are designated for public engagement, accommodating leasing offices and lobby areas to encourage foot traffic. Above these communal spaces, residential units are designed for privacy and comfort, featuring balconies that extend indoor living areas to the outdoors. Flexibility is a hallmark of the office spaces, which are adaptable to various work styles, supporting both collaboration and individual productivity. Accessibility is integrated into the design through dedicated ramps and pathways, enhancing user experience across the building.

Numerous features distinguish 690 Harrison, including its successful blend of residential and professional functions, an architectural commitment to sustainability, and a focus on community-centric design that cultivates social interaction within a densely populated environment.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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