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Rainwater Management and Glass Entrances in Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Martina Hrgovan, Ivana Lazic
Rainwater Management and Glass Entrances in Urban Housing Solutions
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Incorporating large glass entrances and effective rainwater management, the design offers compact housing solutions tailored for young residents in Vienna's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large glass entrances facilitate direct street engagement while maintaining interior privacy.
02
Rainwater management systems are integrated to support sustainability and efficient resource use.
03
Strategic window placement enhances natural light while preventing direct views into neighboring units.
04
Sliding doors between living and sleeping areas allow flexible use of space throughout the day.
05
The design incorporates photovoltaic panels for energy generation, promoting an off-grid lifestyle.

The Minium community is situated in the 19th district of Vienna, Austria, surrounded by a mix of low-rise buildings and green areas. It focuses on providing housing for young residents facing the challenges of a densely populated urban setting. The design centers on small houses that not only promote a sense of community but also ensure privacy for their inhabitants.

Spatial Configuration
The arrangement includes small houses that encourage social interaction while maintaining personal space. Each unit features large windows on one side and smaller ones above, which help to allow natural light and fresh air to flow through. This design choice is intentional; it prevents direct views into other residences, ensuring that privacy is upheld in a closely built environment.

Public Engagement
A notable feature is the large glass entrance that interacts with the street. This design invites people walking by to engage with the space while maintaining the privacy of the living quarters inside. Inside, a sliding door separates the living area from the bedroom, offering flexibility for different activities and uses throughout the day.

Sustainability Features
Sustainability is another key component of the design. The project incorporates systems that enhance energy efficiency and water management. Rainwater collection and effective air ventilation are central elements. Additionally, photovoltaic panels capture sunlight for energy, while integrated greywater and blackwater tanks support an off-grid lifestyle, contributing to the project's eco-friendly objectives.

Design Sensibility
The roof design is equipped with large windows, which provide expansive views of the sky above. This allows an influx of natural light into the compact living spaces. The careful placement of glazing elevates the living experience by creating a feeling of openness, which is often lacking in urban environments.

The Minium community thoughtfully addresses the realities of urban living. It brings together innovative design elements that focus on both functionality and the comfort of its residents.

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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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