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Micro-Climate Community with Modular Construction and Green Spaces

Author:
Gaby Khoriaty
Micro-Climate Community with Modular Construction and Green Spaces
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Utilizing modular construction and implementing a micro-climate strategy, the development houses over 1,300 units alongside interactive green spaces and co-working areas to foster community engagement in a densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Housing over 1,300 diverse residential units within a single MEGAblock.
02
Incorporates advanced rain harvesting systems for efficient water management.
03
Focuses on creating a micro-climate to enhance indoor environmental quality.
04
Features green interactive social platforms across multiple levels.
05
Developed using a modular construction approach for rapid assembly and reduced waste.

The design integrates passive eco-friendly solutions to enhance urban living conditions in a densely populated city. Central to the concept is the creation of a micro-climate, achieved through systems for rain harvesting, natural light use, and ventilation control. A MEGAblock houses around 1,300 residential units of different sizes, accompanied by social platforms, gardens, co-working spaces, and lively frontages. This approach aims to improve quality of life while keeping costs manageable.

Modular Construction

The project adopts a modular construction strategy, focusing on prefabrication. This choice allows for adaptability to various site conditions and different accessibility needs. By using modern prefabricated methods, the design can be built quickly and produces less waste compared to traditional construction. This efficient approach aligns well with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the industry.

Design Process and Typology

The design process begins with a careful analysis of what potential residents need. This analysis leads to identifying optimal space-to-occupant ratios. Three basic forms were developed, which can be arranged in many ways, both horizontally and vertically. This flexibility allows configurations that respond to specific site features and user requirements, considering aspects like views, noise, and access.

Community Engagement

A key focus is enhancing community interaction. Green interactive social platforms are spread throughout the various levels of the building. These shared spaces promote environmental awareness and encourage social connections among residents. The inclusion of gardens and co-working spaces helps foster collaboration and a sense of community in an urban setting.

Textures and Surfaces

Attention to textures and surfaces adds visual interest to the design. Various facade treatments create dynamic light patterns and enhance thermal comfort inside the residential units. This thoughtful arrangement promotes a cohesive look that ties into the surrounding urban area while emphasizing a commitment to sustainable architectural practices.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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.

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