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Modular Housing Solution Featuring Recycled Materials and Green Roofs in Urban Settings

Authors:
Heesuk Lee, Zeke Kan, Nick Fernando, Amy Jung Yun Lee
Modular Housing Solution Featuring Recycled Materials and Green Roofs in Urban Settings
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Utilizing modular design and recycled materials, this urban housing initiative integrates green roofs to enhance community living while addressing the need for affordable residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be arranged in various configurations to adapt to different urban sites.
02
Each unit incorporates green roofs to promote biodiversity and urban agriculture.
03
The project utilizes recycled materials to minimize environmental impact.
04
A bent A-frame design enhances structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
05
Community spaces are integrated within the design to foster social interaction among residents.

The "Anti-Follies" architectural project offers a modular approach to urban housing within the complex landscape of London. By interweaving the rich historical context and current social needs, the project addresses the increasing demand for affordable living spaces. This design proposes small, adaptable living units that can be integrated into various urban configurations, transforming underutilized areas into vibrant communities.

Distinctly, the "Anti-Follies" concept explores the idea of architectural follies, structures often deemed superfluous in function. Instead of creating structures with unclear purposes, this project reimagines these spaces as functional housing while maintaining the playful, unexpected elements associated with traditional follies. Each unit is designed to be prefabricated, facilitating efficient construction and allowing for a variety of configurations that can respond to specific site conditions and community contexts.

The modular units are crafted from a carefully selected palette of materials including glass, steel, concrete, and recycled materials. This choice emphasizes sustainability while promoting transparency and durability. The use of glass enhances natural light penetration, creating inviting living environments, while steel and concrete provide the necessary structural integrity. The incorporation of recycled materials further demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility in urban design.

What sets the "Anti-Follies" project apart is its focus on adaptability and community engagement. Each unit can be combined or stacked in different arrangements, allowing residents to customize their living space according to their needs. This flexibility addresses diverse demographic requirements, from single occupants to larger families, making it a versatile housing solution. Furthermore, common areas and green roofs encourage social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community while integrating nature into the urban setting.

The project embodies a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture by emphasizing the need for functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs. By prioritizing modularity, sustainability, and social connectivity, "Anti-Follies" presents a model for future developments in densely populated cities.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the design and its impact, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs featured in the project's presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define "Anti-Follies."

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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.

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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