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Porous Copper Roof with Balconies Enhancing Community Living

Authors:
Matan Gal, Dana Lieber Gal
Porous Copper Roof with Balconies Enhancing Community Living
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The extended copper roof with porous screens and balconies lends a unique character to a modular living and studio space designed to foster community engagement in a Latvian suburb.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extended roof edges create shaded outdoor spaces for residents.
02
Porous screens provide adjustable privacy and light control.
03
The building’s layout encourages both community interaction and personal retreat.
04
Copper façade develops a unique patina over time, enhancing aesthetics.
05
Modular units enable flexible use for living and studio purposes.

The architectural design known as "Roof" is located in a suburb of Latvia and centers around the idea of shelter. This residence blends living spaces with studios under a unified roof structure. The design focuses on balancing communal areas with private ones, allowing for both interaction and solitude among its occupants.

Design Concept

The structure features a horizontal form that enhances its connection to the surrounding landscape. It is composed of four distinct volumetric units. The two outer units are designated as living spaces, while the internal units are aimed at studio use. This layout permits a clear division between shared and private spaces, with public areas situated on the ground floor and private rooms positioned above.

Roof Features

One of the notable aspects of the design is the roof's extended edges, which serve multiple functions. These projections create a sheltering effect and support a porous screen that filters direct sunlight. The screen is operable, giving residents the ability to adjust its positioning for comfort and privacy. Balconies on the upper level are also supported by the roof, adding to the layered spatial experience of the building.

Materiality

Materials are carefully selected to meet both aesthetic and practical needs. Copper metal sheets with a heavy patina are used for the façade, providing a durable surface that gains character over time. Additionally, a galvanized metal grate screen is incorporated into the design, offering structural support while allowing light to play across the building's surfaces.

Spatial Arrangement

The internal design promotes easy movement and flexibility. The division of spaces supports various uses, making them suitable for creative activities and personal routines. This organization encourages a mix of living and working, so residents can thrive in both personal and communal settings.

Extensive windows and operable elements allow ample natural light and fresh air to enter the living areas. This careful attention to light and shadow enriches the overall environment, connecting the inhabitants to the natural world outside. The project demonstrates a thoughtful response to its geographical context while meeting the practical needs of its users.

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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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