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Perforated Metal Facade and Asymmetrical Balance in Community-Centric Urban Living

Author:
Arwa Atwa
Perforated Metal Facade and Asymmetrical Balance in Community-Centric Urban Living
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The double-facade system of perforated metal skin enhances thermal performance while creating a visually dynamic urban hub that fosters community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project includes a sky lobby hub that serves as a key social gathering point, providing panoramic views of the city.
02
The double façade features perforated metal skin that enhances energy efficiency while reflecting the local environment.
03
Natural ventilation systems are integrated throughout to minimize heat gain and improve indoor climate control.
04
Public spaces are designed to facilitate community interaction, with accessible terraces and social hubs spread across multiple levels.
05
A focus on asymmetrical balance in the structure adds visual dynamism, differentiating it from conventional designs.

The Living Skyscraper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, combines community living with environmental sustainability. Designed as a multi-functional structure, it provides spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The project seeks to create a continuous environment where residents and visitors can connect, reflecting the dynamic nature of urban life.

Design Concept

The design utilizes the subtraction of form to develop various social hubs within the tower. This approach helps reduce wind pressure on the building facade. It also allows for natural ventilation through the slabs, leading to lower heat gain in interior spaces. This strategy significantly improves energy efficiency and enhances the comfort of the environment.

Public Interaction

Inside the Living Skyscraper, the layout promotes a sense of openness and accessibility. Public areas such as a plaza, podium terraces, and a primary social hub are designed to foster community engagement. Smaller office social hubs are created to offer flexible workspaces, encouraging collaboration among users. The sky lobby hub serves as a visual and social focal point, providing remarkable views and a gathering space for residents and visitors alike.

Material Application

The structure features a double façade system that uses perforated metal skin on the south and west sides. This choice of material is functional and aligned with the natural context of Jeddah. The façade design enhances the building's thermal performance, helping to regulate temperature while also contributing visually to the surrounding area.

Spatial Flexibility

Technological elements in the Living Skyscraper enhance its adaptability. Flexible interior layouts allow for various configurations based on user needs. Movable panels create dynamic spaces that can be transformed as required. Smart motion sensors for lighting improve energy efficiency, adjusting illumination based on occupancy while maintaining the necessary light levels.

The overall structure connects its ecological goals with community living, creating an environment that encourages socialization while prioritizing sustainability. The design reflects a thoughtful approach to modern urban life, prioritizing both function and interaction.

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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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