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Modular Solar Tiles Enhance Communal Living Among Historic Courtyards

Author:
Abel Maqueira
Modular Solar Tiles Enhance Communal Living Among Historic Courtyards
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Modular solar tiles integrate with Haussmannian architecture to create communal living units that enhance urban density and social connectivity in the heart of Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular solar tiles facilitate energy efficiency in urban housing.
02
Design incorporates Haussmannian parti-walls for contextual integration.
03
Open roof decks provide communal outdoor spaces for residents.
04
Elevator cores located within courtyards enhance social interaction.
05
Communal living units promote shared facilities and collaboration.

The design responds to the existing housing needs in Paris, located within the city's historical context. It aims to integrate new living spaces while respecting the character of the surrounding architecture. The concept centers around a careful adjustment to height, enabling the city to accommodate contemporary living demands while preserving its historical integrity.

Height Augmentation

The strategy proposes an increase in height by adding a single storey to existing buildings in a methodical manner. This block-by-block approach allows for gradual changes in the urban landscape, blending new units into the historic fabric. By using variations in height from neighboring structures, the design facilitates the addition of 1 to 2 storeys that align with the established skyline.

Access and Circulation

Interior circulation is critical to the design, with access to the new housing units managed through elevator and stair cores situated within the interior courtyards. This setup supports easy movement for residents and encourages social interactions. The communal access points enhance a sense of community, creating connections between various areas and promoting engagement among inhabitants.

Communal Living Spaces

Modern urban lifestyles are reflected in the design's communal units, featuring shared kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas complemented by private bedrooms. This arrangement promotes social connections among residents, aligning with current trends in collaborative living. The interior courtyards also include communal hubs, which offer spaces for gathering and interaction.

Roofscape and Outdoor Integration

An important feature is the roofscape, designed with cut-out areas that create communal outdoor spaces. These open decks serve as extensions of the living areas, providing residents with opportunities for recreation and socializing outdoors. This approach enhances livability, allowing for enjoyment of fresh air and interaction within the community.

The design employs a perimeter truss system that anchors to the existing parti wall, allowing for a stable union with the historic buildings below. This structural decision minimizes disruption while preserving the surroundings. Additionally, the project includes a modular solar tile system that aims to improve energy efficiency and offers flexibility in 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.

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