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Framing Mountain Views with Glass and Concrete in the Desert Landscape

Author:
Colt Malloy
Framing Mountain Views with Glass and Concrete in the Desert Landscape
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Elevated glass and concrete high rises capture panoramic mountain views while addressing urban sprawl in the desert, creating a vibrant community space for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
High rises designed to enhance community interaction through integrated shared spaces.
02
Strategic placement captures views of the nearby Phoenix mountains.
03
Constructed with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsiveness.
04
Transparency achieved with extensive use of glass for seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
05
Concrete structures provide durability suited for the desert climate.

The project in Phoenix addresses the issues of urban sprawl and lack of identity through a careful blend of high-rise structures and the surrounding landscape. Located in a desert environment, the design concept aims to create a sense of place while meeting the needs of the community. The core idea revolves around the concept of a "Placescraper," which combines skyscraper characteristics with a focus on local context to enrich the urban experience.

Conceptual Framework

The design emphasizes the integration of buildings with their environment. High rises made of glass and concrete rise from the desert floor, forming a visual connection that reflects the identity of Phoenix. This approach highlights a need for architecture that functions economically while also resonating with the natural landscape. It seeks to create a harmonious relationship between urban life and the setting in which it exists.

Architectural Elements

Using glass and concrete is central to the execution of the design. Glass offers transparency, allowing those inside to connect with the outdoors, while enhancing the bond between interior and exterior. Concrete provides essential structural support, ensuring stability in the demanding desert climate, serving as a means of durability in the design.

Community and Connectivity

Promoting accessibility and interaction is a key aspect of the design. Spaces for the community are integrated within the framework of the high rises, making it welcoming for residents and visitors. The architecture encourages movement and engagement, allowing a sense of belonging to flourish among users.

Natural Integration

One notable feature is how the design aligns with the geography of Phoenix. The high rises are strategically placed to frame views of the nearby mountains, enhancing the experience of the landscape from various vantage points. This thoughtful arrangement emphasizes a connection between the buildings and their setting, turning the project into more than simple structures, but rather a representation of the distinctive character of the desert environment.

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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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