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Repurposed Tennis Courts and Flexible Layouts Foster Community Living

Authors:
Audrey Leonore Lopez, Elliot Dunton, Bob Mcdougall, Thom Mclaughlin
Repurposed Tennis Courts and Flexible Layouts Foster Community Living
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Repurposing underutilized tennis courts into flexible residential units, the design prioritizes community integration and adaptive living arrangements to address Melbourne's housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes underutilized tennis courts into multi-family residences.
02
Promotes communal living through shared amenities like co-working spaces and kitchens.
03
Utilizes a fixed service core for flexible unit configurations.
04
Integrates principles of passive design for energy efficiency.
05
Focuses on increasing housing density in established suburban areas.

The design aims to address Melbourne’s housing affordability issue by introducing innovative infill housing solutions in the city’s middle suburbs. Located in areas with underused spaces like tennis courts and large backyards, the project intends to transform these underutilized zones into multi-family residences. The overall design concept emphasizes increasing the number of housing units while fostering community and encouraging interaction among a range of residents, from families to singles and students.

Infill Housing Potential

Maximizing the use of spare suburban spaces is at the heart of the design. By looking at tennis courts and big private yards as opportunities for new homes, it seeks to tackle housing shortages head-on. The approach questions common assumptions about property value by illustrating how these areas can not only provide homes but also contribute to community life.

Flexible Spatial Configurations

An important aspect of the design is flexibility in layout. Residential units are built around a fixed service core, allowing for different configurations that can adapt to the changing needs of residents. This modular style creates living spaces that can adjust over time, accommodating various lifestyles or family sizes, thus promoting a sustainable form of urban development.

Community Engagement Spaces

Shared areas play a significant role in the design, encouraging social connections among residents. With features such as co-working spaces, playgrounds, communal kitchens, and workshops, the layout aims to support interaction and a sense of community. These amenities are more than just facilities; they are spaces where people can come together, fostering a supportive environment for diverse residents.

Sustainability and Resource Optimization

While specific materials are not listed, the design reflects a commitment to principles of energy efficiency and low-impact living. By incorporating passive housing techniques, it aims to reduce long-term operational costs and environmental effects. Proposing an increase in housing density within established neighborhoods promotes better use of resources and infrastructure, aligning with current goals for more responsible urban growth.

The design thoughtfully brings together elements of private living and community interaction. It captures the idea of creating homes that are not only functional but also enrich the urban experience. The careful arrangement of these spaces reflects an understanding of the evolving needs of communities.

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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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