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Perforated Aluminum Facade with Vertical Landscaping in a Multifunctional Community Space

Authors:
Eliah Cappi, Shaowen Zhang, Philip Richardson
Perforated Aluminum Facade with Vertical Landscaping in a Multifunctional Community Space
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A perforated aluminum facade combined with vertical landscaping defines a multifunctional community space that seamlessly integrates public and commercial areas while promoting sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated aluminum screens control light and provide ventilation throughout the structure.
02
Vertical gardens enhance the building’s ecological footprint and promote biodiversity.
03
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various community events and activities.
04
The angular form allows for optimized natural light and expansive views of the surrounding area.
05
Strategically located near transit lines to improve accessibility and encourage foot traffic.

### Overview

Located in a densely populated urban environment, the project titled "Contingent Crossing" emphasizes connectivity, community engagement, and ecological response. The design integrates public, commercial, and communal spaces aimed at enhancing accessibility and fostering social interaction. This initiative serves as a contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural forms, providing multifunctional areas that cater to the diverse needs of the local population.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The design features an array of open spaces that facilitate interaction and movement, both physically and metaphorically. Key elements include designated areas such as a fashion market, auditorium, and library, which collectively function as a cultural hub for community activities. The project's strategic positioning adjacent to a major transit line enhances accessibility and supports pedestrian connectivity, addressing the growing demand for transit-oriented developments.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a material palette of concrete, glass, and aluminum, selected for their durability and functional benefits. Concrete provides structural support and thermal mass, glass enhances transparency and visual connectivity, and aluminum's perforated façade contributes to solar control and ventilation. To promote ecological sustainability, the design incorporates green elements such as a roof garden and vertical gardens, adhering to biophilic design principles to improve biodiversity and air quality. The interior spaces are configured to be flexible and adaptable, featuring movable walls that enable customization for various community functions.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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