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Passive Housing with Triple Pane Windows and Integrated Roof Garden

Authors:
Ariadne Kaperonis-bountris, Kateryna Gerasymova, Mehek Rahman
Passive Housing with Triple Pane Windows and Integrated Roof Garden
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With its innovative use of triple pane windows and an integrated Roof Garden, the design exemplifies passive housing principles while providing adaptable living spaces for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Roof Garden enhances communal living and biodiversity within the urban setting.
02
Triple pane windows optimize energy efficiency and natural light while minimizing heat loss.
03
Thermal mass materials contribute to consistent indoor temperatures year-round.
04
Flexible apartment layouts accommodate various family sizes and lifestyles.
05
Passive design reduces reliance on conventional energy sources, achieving significant emissions savings.

The design project presents a thoughtful approach to urban living, situated within a bustling city landscape. It focuses on blending private and public spaces, creating an environment that encourages both community interaction and individual comfort. The overall concept emphasizes adaptability, making it suitable for a variety of family sizes and modern lifestyles.

Community Spaces
The layout includes a Roof Garden that acts as a gathering place for residents. This green area enhances the living experience, serving as a crucial part of urban life. Along with the Roof Garden, interconnected areas such as the Extended Garden and Garden Room promote leisure and social engagement. These spaces are carefully designed to invite residents to interact with each other and enjoy the outdoors.

Private Living Arrangements
The development features a range of apartment options, including one, two, and three-bedroom units. These arrangements cater to different family needs while ensuring privacy. Each living space is created to be both comfortable and accessible, striking a balance between personal retreats and communal areas. This approach reflects current demands in how people want to live in urban settings.

Passive Housing Strategies
A key aspect of the design is its use of passive housing principles, which limit reliance on traditional energy sources. The use of triple pane windows helps collect solar heat during winter, reducing heat loss. Overhangs are positioned to minimize direct sunlight in the summer months, enhancing indoor comfort. Additionally, insulation and thermal mass materials found in the ceilings, walls, and floors contribute to efficient temperature management throughout the year.

Sustainability Impact
This approach results in a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, achieving around 90% less than standard housing methods. The focus on sustainability not only aids in energy efficiency but also makes housing accessible for low-income residents. This environmentally conscious design meets contemporary expectations of responsible architecture.

The careful arrangement of shared and private areas facilitates easy movement, allowing residents to flow between communal amenities and individual spaces. The outdoor areas provide visual connection to the surroundings, enriching the urban experience while offering a peaceful retreat within the busy city.

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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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