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Integrated Green Spaces with Prefabricated Modules for Urban Living

Authors:
Mariela Pfennig - Mahmud, Muna Shahrori, Maijosh Giraut
Integrated Green Spaces with Prefabricated Modules for Urban Living
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Retaining rainwater in a central retention pond, the design incorporates prefabricated modules to create a versatile community-focused environment that supports diverse residential living and shared social spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community gardens integrate with residential units, promoting local food production.
02
A central retention pond collects rainwater for sustainable irrigation.
03
Prefabricated modules enable rapid construction and flexible habitation options.
04
Mixed-use spaces at ground level enhance social interaction and accessibility.
05
The design prioritizes open courtyards, fostering a sense of community identity.

The Distillery Village in Toronto offers a carefully planned environment that promotes community living. The development is made up of several small buildings that create distinct spaces for public interaction and shared activities within courtyards. The design focuses on being adaptable, allowing it to respond to the varying demands of different neighborhoods while maintaining an inviting character.

Community Spaces

A key aspect of the Distillery Village is its emphasis on community engagement. At the ground level, open areas serve both communal and commercial purposes. These spaces encourage residents to gather, interact, and participate in local activities. The integration of retail spaces adds a lively element, making it easier for residents to access daily services and contribute to the vibrancy of the Village.

Variety in Housing

The upper floors contain a mix of residential units designed to accommodate different lifestyles and family sizes. This variety promotes essential living functions such as resting, dining, and working. Common circulation areas throughout the buildings strengthen connections among residents, inviting social interactions and creating a sense of belonging within the community.

Green Solutions

Central to the Village’s design is a thoughtful landscaping approach that integrates green spaces with parking areas. The parking is covered with vegetation, creating an attractive view as it flows into terraces for community gardens and walkways. Rainwater management is also an important feature, as the system collects and filters rainfall into a pond used for irrigation. This promotes sustainability while enhancing the overall environment.

Diverse Options

The design accommodates different types of housing that reflect various life stages, ensuring everyone feels welcome. The arrangement of buildings around courtyard spaces supports personal relationships, fostering community spirit.

As a final detail, the combination of garden terraces and accessible outdoor spaces encourages residents to connect with nature and each other, contributing to a rich community experience.

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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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