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Hydroponic Winter Gardens Integrated with Noise-Reducing Towers in Suburban Living

Authors:
Elizaveta Tsanava, Serofim Shilnikov, Tatiana Kafanova, Anastasia Savelyeva
Hydroponic Winter Gardens Integrated with Noise-Reducing Towers in Suburban Living
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Rooftop mini-basketball courts and hydroponic winter gardens enhance the living environment in a series of noise-reducing towers, offering a new model for affordable suburban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop mini-basketball courts promote community engagement among residents.
02
Hydroponic winter gardens allow residents to grow food sustainably.
03
Round tower designs function as noise barriers from nearby transportation.
04
Multi-level grid pattern integrates public and private spaces effectively.
05
Community kitchens encourage neighborly interaction and shared meals.

The project reimagines suburban living in Vancouver by combining innovative urban planning with a focus on community and sustainability. Located along the Skytrain corridor, which was developed for Expo 86, the design integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This multi-level grid pattern addresses the need for affordable housing while enhancing the overall experience of living in the suburbs.

Design Concept

The design features a multi-level grid pattern that connects mid-rise buildings with traditional detached houses. This arrangement blends public amenities with private areas, encouraging community interaction and ensuring easy access to necessities. The layout is thoughtful and practical, aiming to respond to the realities of suburban life while creating a welcoming environment.

Noise Mitigation

A significant concern in this location is the noise from the nearby Skytrain. The buildings are shaped with rounded forms that grow larger as they approach the transportation line, acting as sound barriers. Sloping roofs are also included to help deflect noise and provide spacious terraces for outdoor activities. This design element makes for a more pleasant living experience, shielding residents from the unwanted sounds of the city.

Landscaping and Community Spaces

Landscaping plays an important role in adding appeal to the project. There are city gardens and loggias that create lively spaces for leisure and gathering. Playgrounds cater to children of different age groups, while food and beverage facilities promote socializing among neighbors. Together, these elements contribute to a vibrant and active community atmosphere.

Sustainable Features

A winter garden that spans the height of the building features hydroponic vegetation, offering residents the chance to grow their own food. This sustainable feature helps make fresh produce accessible while encouraging participation in urban agriculture.

On the rooftop, a mini-basketball court and communal resting areas highlight a commitment to creating a comfortable and engaging living environment. These details combine to form a unique living space that meets today’s needs for community and sustainability.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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