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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 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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