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Opac Elements and Winter Gardens Transforming High-Rise Offices into Vibrant Residential Spaces

Authors:
Marius Muehleisen, Antonia Grohmann, Sebastian Reinicke
Opac Elements and Winter Gardens Transforming High-Rise Offices into Vibrant Residential Spaces
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Integrating opac elements and winter gardens, the design transforms high-rise office buildings into functional residential spaces that promote community engagement and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Opac elements are incorporated to enhance privacy while allowing natural light to penetrate.
02
Winter gardens provide communal outdoor spaces that promote social interaction among residents.
03
The project aims to create approximately 13,000 new homes from existing high-rise structures.
04
Adaptive reuse minimizes construction waste and maximizes sustainability in urban development.
05
A proposed CO2 tax supports economic viability for social housing adaptations.

The design seeks to address the current housing shortage in urban areas, specifically by converting existing office buildings in London into residential units. This idea is timely, given the rise in remote work. With more people working from home, there is a growing need for flexible housing options that fit modern lifestyles. The project aims to reshape how urban spaces are used, focusing on both living and community interaction.

Design Concept

The main aim is to use former office spaces as homes, making them adaptable to various living arrangements. This approach can meet the needs of different residents, especially in a city where housing costs are high. By creating flexible layouts, the design intends to foster a sense of community. Shared spaces will encourage social interactions while providing residents with a comfortable environment.

Natural Elements

Integrating natural light and open areas is essential to the design. The proposal includes features like winter gardens and communal outdoor spaces. These elements not only improve visual appeal but also enhance the well-being of residents. Sunlight and greenery can uplift spirits, making living spaces more inviting. The design helps to create environments that feel open and connected to nature.

Sustainability and Structure

A key factor in the project is how it plans to use existing structures. By converting several high-rise office buildings, the design could create about 13,000 new homes. This approach helps reduce waste since it reuses what is already there. It emphasizes sustainability by including specific features, such as opac elements, which help manage energy use effectively. Balancing practical living needs with environmental considerations is a major focus.

Potential for Economic Viability

The project also considers economic aspects, suggesting a CO2 tax as a way to support social housing adaptations. This financial strategy offers a practical viewpoint on how to make the project realistic. It points to the importance of combining urban development with responsibility toward the environment and society.

The design encourages connections among residents through thoughtfully placed communal spaces. These areas serve as a way to bring people together while still providing moments of privacy. This balance between community and personal space is key to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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