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Green Roofs Enhancing Urban Living Through Raised Walkways

Author:
John Somers
Green Roofs Enhancing Urban Living Through Raised Walkways
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Landscaped roofs and raised walkways create a unique urban living experience along Avenue de l'Opera, offering affordable housing that seamlessly integrates community spaces with sustainable design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Landscaped roofs replicate the missing trees along Avenue de l'Opera.
02
Raised walkways connect residential units and public spaces seamlessly.
03
Housing units accommodate diverse living arrangements, promoting community.
04
High insulation standards reduce energy costs for residents.
05
Design blends historical context with modern sustainable features.

The project on Avenue de l'Opera in central Paris introduces affordable housing in a historically rich urban environment. This avenue, part of the city's Haussmann renovation, lacks greenery due to an earlier design choice to keep views of the Palais Garnier unobstructed. The proposed design aims to address this gap by integrating housing that reflects the idea of trees lining the street, creating a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Housing Units

The design includes two-storey living units positioned on both sides of the avenue. These units are accessible via raised walkways, allowing pedestrians to move freely while staying clear of vehicle traffic. This elevated structure enhances accessibility for residents and fosters public interaction. The variety in unit types accommodates both single-family living and shared co-living arrangements.

Community Integration

Attention to public space is apparent throughout the design. The plan includes seating areas and landscaped green spaces, encouraging residents to gather and socialize outdoors. The walkways connect various parts of the development, ensuring smooth movement while promoting a lively atmosphere along the street. By incorporating these elements, the design places importance on community and engagement within urban life.

Landscaping and Aesthetics

A key feature of the project is the incorporation of greenery on the roofs and building façades. This landscaping creates a visual experience akin to a tree-lined street, addressing the absence of greenery in the area. The planted areas enhance the overall look of the housing while also supporting environmental goals, integrating nature directly into the urban setting.

Sustainability and Functionality

With plans for around 95 housing units, the project is expected to house between 350 to 700 residents. Its strategic location allows easy access to essential services such as transportation and recreational spaces, making it convenient for city living. The design emphasizes high insulation standards to keep energy costs low. Each unit includes double-height spaces for kitchens, dining, and living areas, which not only enhances comfort but also encourages residents to interact and build a sense of community.

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

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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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