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Integrating Vertical Gardens with Glazed Facades in Sustainable Urban Living

Integrating Vertical Gardens with Glazed Facades in Sustainable Urban Living
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Incorporating a biophilic design with vertical gardens and a split-level layout, this structure enhances urban life through its extensive use of glazed facades while promoting community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens within the structural design for enhanced air quality and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes a split-level layout that adapts seamlessly to the site's topography.
03
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Features extensive glazing to maximize natural light while connecting interior spaces to nature.
05
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and visual interest.

**Overview**

Located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, the project integrates natural elements within an urban landscape, emphasizing a balance between built form and green spaces. The intention is to enhance public accessibility to nature while promoting community interaction and well-being. This design aligns with contemporary urban planning trends focused on sustainability and ecological responsibility.

**Design Elements and Spatial Organization**

The architectural form features a split-level design tailored to the site's topography, creating a dynamic silhouette that contrasts with serene, nature-rich environments at lower levels. The roof employs angular planes strategically to optimize natural lighting and energy efficiency. Extensive glazing throughout the façade establishes a visual connection to the surroundings, promoting transparency and facilitating natural light penetration. An interior conservatory area blends flora with architectural elements, purifying air and enhancing user experience through nature immersion.

The layout prioritizes functionality: the ground floor is dedicated to public engagement spaces designed for community use, while the lower level accommodates private amenities such as workspaces and meeting rooms. This separation fosters distinct user experiences and promotes a quieter environment.

**Materiality and Construction Approach**

Material selections reflect a commitment to durability and environmental mindfulness. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material, enabling expansive open spaces. Extensive glass usage in doors and windows enhances transparency and energy efficiency. Wood elements, used for flooring and structural beams, introduce warmth, creating a tactile relationship with nature. Metal components in the roof structure and railings provide a modern contrast and ensure safety.

This project exemplifies innovative integration of vegetation within architectural design, marking a notable advancement in how urban structures incorporate living elements. Its multi-functional spaces cater to community needs while remaining adaptable to urban changes, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable design.

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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.

The Next House: USA

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