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Rooftop Gardens and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Structure of Concrete and Wood

Rooftop Gardens and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Structure of Concrete and Wood
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Rooftop gardens entwined with large glass panels create an abundance of natural light within a durable concrete and wood structure designed to foster community engagement among elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop gardens provide green space for social interaction and leisure activities.
02
Large glass panels enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.
03
Flexible living units allow for various configurations to meet resident needs.
04
Timber cladding incorporates sustainably sourced materials for warmth and aesthetics.
05
Community areas include multipurpose spaces designed specifically for intergenerational engagement.

## Overview

Located in the Sumida district of Tokyo, this architectural initiative addresses the issue of elderly isolation within dense urban settings. The design is centered around the creation of a community that nurtures interaction among elderly residents and encourages engagement with intergenerational populations. The project integrates residential and communal spaces to promote social connectivity and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

## Spatial Configuration

The layout incorporates a comprehensive zoning strategy, featuring diverse residential options. Private living units offer autonomy, while shared accommodations create a blend of personal and communal living. Key communal facilities, including a café, gardens, and workshops, facilitate a range of activities—from culinary workshops to community discussions—enhancing social interaction among residents. The design also incorporates green spaces that interweave with the surrounding landscape, fostering community gardens and recreational areas.

## Materiality and Architectural Features

The project employs a strategic selection of materials to balance aesthetics and functionality. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability and sound insulation. Wood features prominently in the exterior cladding, lending warmth and sustainability, while large glass panels enhance natural lighting and connections with the exterior environment. Distinct architectural features include rooftop gardens, which offer residents outdoor space with views of the Tokyo Skytree, and social hubs like the multifunctional café, designed to serve as focal points for community interaction. Adaptable floor plans cater to a variety of resident needs, ensuring that the environment is supportive and accommodating for all.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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