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Green Roof and Triple-Glazed Glass Define Sustainable Lakeside Living

Authors:
Alia Beyg, Alvin Chu, James Stone, Natalia Kochanska
Green Roof and Triple-Glazed Glass Define Sustainable Lakeside Living
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Incorporating a green roof and triple-glazed glass, the design emphasizes sustainability while providing a harmonious lakeside residence that connects occupants with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof system that enhances biodiversity and insulation.
02
Utilizes triple-glazed glass to maximize natural light and improve energy efficiency.
03
Employs locally sourced Western Red Cedar for sustainable facade construction.
04
Features a flexible open floor plan that promotes indoor-outdoor living.
05
Integrates permaculture principles in landscaping to minimize maintenance and water use.

**Project Overview**
The Harmonious Habitat is a contemporary residence located along the banks of Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada. This project integrates sustainable architectural practices with a deep respect for the site’s ecological and cultural context. By focusing on the connection between the built environment and nature, the design aims to create a living space that enhances both the functionality for its inhabitants and engagement with the surrounding landscape.

**Biophilic Design Concept**
The design is rooted in biophilic principles, encouraging a harmonious relationship between occupants and the environment. This is achieved through open space layouts, organic forms, and ample natural light, which collectively foster a sense of tranquility and well-being. The structure is characterized by fluid lines and asymmetrical shapes that echo the natural topography, promoting movement and dynamism within the space.

**Material Strategy and Sustainability**
The exterior facade prominently features locally sourced Western Red Cedar, contributing to durability and aesthetic coherence with the landscape. Large triple-glazed glass panels enhance transparency while improving energy efficiency. Recycled aluminum frames complement the sustainable material selection. The roof incorporates a green design with sedum and native grasses, not only enhancing insulation but also promoting biodiversity. Further sustainability measures include solar panels for renewable energy, rainwater harvesting systems, and high-efficiency HVAC systems, all working together to minimize the building's environmental impact and support long-term ecological resilience.

Interior spaces emphasize flexibility with open floor plans that encourage connectivity and movement. The central living area extends into outdoor decks, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. Natural stone flooring and reclaimed wood beams add warmth and texture, while the surrounding landscape employs permaculture principles to minimize maintenance and foster native plant growth.

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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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