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Indoor Garden with Translucent Windows in Elevated Urban Housing

Authors:
Tauran Kuçi, Fisnik Fanaj, Mirjete Morina
Indoor Garden with Translucent Windows in Elevated Urban Housing
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An indoor garden, illuminated by abundant natural light through translucent windows, enhances the overall well-being of residents in an elevated urban housing solution designed for flexibility and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Indoor garden designed to optimize natural light and enhance occupant well-being.
02
Translucent windows provide expansive views while maintaining privacy.
03
Staircase doubles as a central feature, promoting movement through the home.
04
Adaptable layout accommodates various living arrangements and activities.
05
Sustainable materials include stone wool insulation for energy efficiency.

The proposed structure represents a thoughtful response to the need for modern living solutions in urban areas with limited resources. It focuses on flexibility and adaptability, providing functional spaces that support the daily activities of residents. The design reduces the building footprint while encouraging physical movement, addressing both the practical and social needs of urban life.

Design Concept

The housing prototype consists of three main stages, connected by a staircase that makes it easy to access different areas of the home. This vertical layout is important in densely populated cities, where space is often limited. By bringing together essential living, working, and farming spaces, the design caters to various lifestyles and promotes a sense of community.

Natural Integration

An important feature of the structure is its connection to nature. Halfway up the staircase, there is an indoor garden that allows natural light and greenery to enter the building. Large, translucent windows frame views of the outside world and enhance the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design choice helps occupants appreciate their environment and contributes to their overall well-being.

Air Quality and Comfort

Good air circulation is a vital part of the design, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. Proper airflow is necessary for maintaining comfort and supporting the health of residents. By considering air quality, the structure demonstrates its commitment to the wellness of those living inside it.

Material Selection

The building uses a mix of materials that contribute to its purpose and performance. Key materials include plywood panels, underlay membranes, stone wool insulation, OSB panels, and a concrete foundation. These selections have been chosen carefully for their durability and sustainability, aligning with the overall goals of the design.

The indoor staircase serves as both a practical access point and an eye-catching element, allowing light to pour in through the windows. This feature enhances the experience of transitioning between levels, drawing attention to the lush indoor garden and creating a favorable connection to the outside landscape.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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