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Green Roofs and Solar Panels Enhancing Riverfront Living

Authors:
Marcin Trzaska, Julia Bauer, Barbara Bech
Green Roofs and Solar Panels Enhancing Riverfront Living
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A green roof and solar panels create an energy-efficient living environment on the riverfront, blending sustainability with comfort in residential housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Green roofs provide natural insulation and manage rainwater effectively.
02
Solar panels ensure energy self-sufficiency for the residences.
03
Entrances face the promenade, enhancing community connectivity.
04
Large windows capture river views and maximize natural light.
05
Public and private spaces are distinctly separated for functional living.

FLOATING GARDENS is a residential design that responds to rising water levels and land shortages in urban settings. The project focuses on sustainable living while encouraging a close relationship between inhabitants and nature. It aims to provide comfortable homes that are adaptive to environmental changes and considerate of community needs.

Spatial Organization

The layout of FLOATING GARDENS clearly separates public and private spaces. Public areas are situated on the ground floor, making it easy for people to meet and interact. The upper levels are personal environments, designed for privacy and quiet. This arrangement fosters social connections while also allowing residents their own sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle.



Connectivity and Views

In this design, the distribution of entrances and windows plays an important role. Each apartment has an entrance that faces the promenade, encouraging community engagement. Large windows allow plenty of natural light to flood the rooms and provide views of the river. This setup connects residents more closely with their surroundings, enhancing their daily living experience.



Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

A significant focus is placed on ecological responsibility and energy use. The houses incorporate a heat pump and solar panels that help produce energy for basic needs such as electricity and hot water. This approach encourages self-sufficiency and reduces dependency on traditional energy sources, reflecting a commitment to a smaller environmental impact.



Green Roof Design

An essential aspect of FLOATING GARDENS is its green roof. This feature not only offers insulation but also helps manage rainwater and adds visual interest to the development. By integrating plants into the structure, it fosters a connection to nature and supports local wildlife, enriching the overall landscape of the area.



The design includes spacious terraces that extend the living areas into the outdoors. These spaces allow residents to enjoy gatherings outside, promoting a lifestyle that connects indoor comfort with the natural elements surrounding them.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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