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Natural Ventilation and Shared Atriums in Vertical Living Solutions

Author:
Vadim Golubev
Natural Ventilation and Shared Atriums in Vertical Living Solutions
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Incorporating natural ventilation and communal atriums, the design transforms high-rise living into a sustainable, community-focused environment that prioritizes energy efficiency and occupant well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural ventilation strategies enhance air quality and reduce energy reliance.
02
Atriums create communal spaces that foster resident interaction and community cohesion.
03
Incorporates on-site renewable energy systems for sustainable living.
04
Design emphasizes naturally lit staircases to improve circulation and well-being.
05
Focus on reducing carbon footprint through innovative energy solutions.

The design aims to rethink high-rise living by addressing common challenges faced in tall buildings. Located in an urban setting, the structure accommodates both residential and commercial spaces. The design concept focuses on improving environmental conditions, promoting social connections, and enhancing energy efficiency. By combining these elements, it seeks to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment.

Natural Ventilation

A major feature of the design is its approach to natural ventilation. Many tall buildings rely heavily on mechanical systems to control the indoor climate, which can lead to issues like poor air quality and excess energy use. To combat these problems, the design incorporates ventilation strategies that allow fresh air to flow naturally through the building. This results in improved indoor air quality and reduces the need for mechanical systems, making the environment more comfortable for occupants.

Social Interaction

The design also addresses the isolation often experienced in high-rise buildings. It incorporates shared spaces and amenities that encourage residents to interact with one another. Features like atriums create communal areas that invite people to gather, fostering connections and a sense of community. By integrating these social spaces, the building promotes a more neighborly atmosphere, helping to break down barriers that can exist in urban living.

Energy Efficiency

Energy sustainability plays a vital role in the overall design. The building integrates renewable energy sources to generate electricity on-site, such as solar panels and wind turbines. This not only reduces the building's carbon footprint but also aligns with the concept of buildings serving as power generators. By focusing on energy efficiency, the design represents a modern approach to reducing reliance on external power sources.

The structure also features naturally lit staircases that provide ample daylight in circulation areas. This design choice enhances the overall experience for occupants, encouraging physical movement and creating an inviting environment. The interplay of light and space contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, connecting residents to the outdoors while enhancing the aesthetics of the building.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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