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Green Roof Garden and Jardin D'hiver in an Urban Community Center

Authors:
Francesco Grossi, Fabiola Dell'eva, Mattia Venturi
Green Roof Garden and Jardin D'hiver in an Urban Community Center
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With a focus on a roof garden and an integrated Jardin d'hiver, the design redefines urban living by enhancing community spaces while providing essential amenities in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integration of a Jardin d'hiver allows year-round access to greenery.
02
The Community Center includes a minimarket and bar for local residents.
03
Flexible co-housing complexes accommodate diverse living arrangements.
04
A roof garden connects via a sky bridge to enhance outdoor access.
05
Strategic alterations improve accessibility throughout the existing structure.

Set against the backdrop of the Balfron Tower, the design offers a new vision for urban living. It emphasizes community engagement, accessibility, and the integration of green spaces. The concept focuses on improving the existing structure to meet modern needs while respecting its historical significance. Enhancements to functionality and space aim to foster a sense of community in a dense urban area.

Community Center

A key component of the design is the Community Center, which occupies a prominent position in the frontyard of the Balfron Tower. This facility will include a minimarket and a bar, providing essential services for local residents. By placing these amenities in a central location, the design encourages social interactions and strengthens community bonds, helping to create a more vibrant neighborhood.

Spatial Configuration

The layout undergoes significant changes to improve accessibility and movement throughout the structure. New bathroom partitions will be added, while existing walls and floors will be retained. Some barriers will be removed to open up aisles and stairwells. These thoughtful alterations lead to a more open and welcoming environment, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the space.

Integration of Green Spaces

A notable feature is the addition of a "Jardin d'hiver," an indoor garden space that allows residents to enjoy nature throughout the year. This area is accompanied by new glass doors and windows that offer views of the outdoors. The design also incorporates a roof garden, which can be easily accessed via a sky bridge to the utility tower. These green elements not only serve as recreational areas but also play a crucial role in linking the building to its urban surroundings.

Flexible Housing Design

Flexibility is a central theme in the housing design. Co-housing complexes span several floors, featuring shared living and kitchen areas to encourage community interaction. The utility tower includes studio flats, each with “Jardin d'hiver” balconies that provide natural light and improve thermal efficiency. This approach creates a comfortable living environment, promoting connections between residents and their surroundings.

The overall design balances elements from the past with modern needs, creating a space where community life can thrive.

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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
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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.

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