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Interlocking Aluminum Panels and Natural Stone Create a Community-Focused Urban Residential Space

Interlocking Aluminum Panels and Natural Stone Create a Community-Focused Urban Residential Space
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With interlocking aluminum panels and natural stone that facilitate community interaction, the design creates a modern urban residential space focused on affordable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking aluminum panels provide durability and reduce maintenance needs.
02
Natural stone elements enhance the building's aesthetic and create a warm, inviting character.
03
The design maximizes light and ventilation through expansive glass windows in all units.
04
Outdoor balconies are incorporated into each unit, promoting indoor-outdoor living.
05
Community spaces are strategically placed to foster interaction among residents.

**Overview**
Located at 307 Sherbourne Street in downtown Toronto, directly across from Allan Gardens, the mixed-use residential building is designed to create affordable housing that complies with local zoning regulations. The development aims to foster community engagement through a flexible layout that accommodates studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The architectural concept, inspired by tessellation, emphasizes interlocking units that enhance circulation and connectivity among residents.

**Spatial Strategy**
The building’s spatial arrangement is designed for logical circulation and maximized functionality. The ground floor includes essential amenities such as a lobby, multi-purpose rooms for community activities, and recreational facilities like a children’s nursery and gym. The fourth floor features a chevron layout of residential units, each equipped with private balconies that support individual privacy while encouraging social interaction among residents. This thoughtful organization promotes a family-oriented environment, balancing accessibility with community engagement.

**Materiality and Architectural Expression**
The materials for the project have been carefully selected to harmonize aesthetic appeal with functional performance. The façade primarily utilizes red aluminum panels to provide durability and a modern aesthetic, complemented by natural stone that offers a tactile contrast. Expansive glass windows foster transparency and visual connections between indoor and outdoor areas. The architectural expression incorporates massing strategies such as subtraction to create outdoor retreats, division for varied living arrangements, and staggered forms that introduce visual dynamism. The north elevation showcases the interplay of materials and colors, enhancing sunlight exposure while contributing to the overall urban narrative. This design not only prioritizes visual interest but also promotes sustainable living through optimal natural light and ventilation.

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The Next House: USA
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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