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Pods Designed for Shared Living with Strategic Natural Light

Author:
Alexis Henry
Pods Designed for Shared Living with Strategic Natural Light
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With modular pods designed for shared living, the project integrates ample natural light and private amenities to foster community in an affordable housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pods feature three units on each side, allowing for flexible family arrangements.
02
Each bedroom includes a private bathroom to maintain personal space within shared living.
03
Strategic cutouts on walls enhance natural light penetration across deep floor plans.
04
Elevators along the hallway axis improve accessibility for all residents.
05
Green areas are integrated to support both individual relaxation and community gathering.

The design addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in Berlin, a city that has faced significant housing challenges over the years. The project represents a new approach to communal living, moving away from the stark and minimal stacked apartments that have characterized the urban landscape. By emphasizing prefabrication and modular construction, the design aims to create welcoming and functional living spaces that foster community.

Design Concept

The focus is on a series of interconnected modular pods, each consisting of six individual units that can be rented by the room. This approach allows for communal living while also respecting individual privacy. Each pod is designed with three units on either side, creating a layout where families can easily occupy adjacent rooms. Each bedroom includes a private bathroom, addressing the essential need for personal space within shared environments.

Shared Facilities and Spatial Dynamics

Inside the pods, shared facilities play a crucial role. Residents will find a spacious kitchen, a dining area, working spaces, a lounge, and green zones. These shared areas are designed to encourage interaction and connection among residents. The modular nature of the design enables the pods to be stacked either vertically or horizontally, providing flexibility to adapt to various site conditions and needs in a dense urban context.

Natural Light and Accessibility

Natural light and ventilation are prioritized in the design. Angled glass frames provide expansive views of the surrounding city while also allowing ample sunlight to enter the spaces. Cutouts positioned on the walls enhance light penetration into deeper areas of each unit, creating a more pleasant atmosphere. Accessibility is another important consideration, with elevators integrated along the upper hallway axis to simplify movement between different levels of the pods.

Green Integration

The design thoughtfully incorporates green areas both within and around the pods. These spaces aim to improve the quality of life for residents, promoting a healthy and sustainable living environment. The combination of private and communal outdoor areas allows for both individual relaxation and opportunities for community gatherings, enriching everyday life.

The overall arrangement melds functionality with a sense of community, placing residents in a context that encourages interaction while adapting to the demands of urban living. The project stands as a response to the need for affordable housing and community-oriented design in modern cities.

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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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