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Recycled Concrete and Green Roofs Enhance Community Resilience in Urban Living Spaces

Recycled Concrete and Green Roofs Enhance Community Resilience in Urban Living Spaces
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Utilizing recycled concrete panels and integrating green roofs, the design fosters community engagement while providing adaptable urban living spaces that prioritize sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled concrete panels to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates extensive green roofs for improved biodiversity and insulation.
03
Features adaptable living spaces with modular furniture design.
04
Integrates solar panels into public transport structures for renewable energy.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through strategically placed openings.

## Project Overview

The architectural initiative is situated in an urban environment aimed at fostering community integration and sustainability through a series of thoughtfully designed buildings and public spaces. The project prioritizes the adaptive use of space and emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship. Key design elements include the integration of recycled materials, green roofs, and multifunctional living spaces that facilitate a balance between private and communal areas.

### Sustainable Design Strategy

The design philosophy focuses on biophilic principles that create a connection between inhabitants and nature. By incorporating greenery, such as balconies and green roofs, the project enhances aesthetic appeal while improving air quality and enabling urban agriculture. The modular nature of the living spaces ensures flexibility and adaptability, allowing for modifications in response to residents' evolving needs without necessitating significant structural changes.

### Material Selection and Architectural Features

Careful consideration has been given to the materials used throughout the project to minimize environmental impact and maximize functionality. Recycled concrete panels serve as durable building materials while expanded polystyrene provides effective insulation. The use of recycled cork enhances comfort through acoustic and thermal insulation. In addition, translucent polycarbonate in facades diffuses natural light while maintaining privacy, and eco-friendly paint ensures a healthier indoor environment. The inclusion of green roofs not only provides insulation and reduces urban heat but also promotes biodiversity and offers accessible outdoor spaces.

Public spaces are designed to maximize community engagement, with flexible areas such as multi-purpose grandstands and dining zones. The design also features innovative bus stop structures equipped with solar panels and green roofs, merging transportation needs with sustainable practices. Apartments are equipped with adjustable components like foldable tables, optimizing space efficiency in urban settings while maintaining aesthetic integrity and functionality. Sliding closet doors and integrated seating areas further contribute to a streamlined living experience.

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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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