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Rooftop Housing Solutions Featuring Monocrystalline Panels and Green Balconies

Authors:
Shuxian Liang, Jiancheng Lin, Zhichao Lin, Qian Kang
Rooftop Housing Solutions Featuring Monocrystalline Panels and Green Balconies
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Off-grid residential modules on rooftops incorporate Monocrystalline panels and green balconies, providing sustainable housing solutions for young couples in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residential modules are placed on rooftops to increase living space without altering ground-level architecture.
02
The design incorporates a service belt for efficient organization of domestic functions.
03
Green balconies enhance urban biodiversity and provide outdoor recreational opportunities.
04
A comprehensive water management system supports efficient resource usage in dense urban contexts.
05
Monocrystalline panels are utilized for renewable energy generation, aligning with sustainable living practices.

The design project located at Fengyuan Road in the Liwan District of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, aims to tackle housing shortages for young couples in a city characterized by a low floor area ratio. The overall concept focuses on modularity, flexibility, and integration with the community. By considering the urban context, the design enhances modern living while respecting the existing architectural style of the area.

Design Concept

The layout employs an integrated wall structure that forms the basis for various living spaces, including dining and cooking areas. This approach emphasizes functionality while allowing for adaptability in residential environments. The arrangement is purposefully designed to maximize space and user accessibility, contributing to a comfortable and inviting living atmosphere.

Sustainable Features

Outdoor balconies serve as green gardens, introducing ecological elements into the urban setting. These balconies not only improve the environmental quality of the surroundings but also offer residents opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The incorporation of nature within the design promotes a sense of well-being and fosters a connection with the outside world.

Community Integration

Off-grid residential modules are placed on rooftops to provide effective housing solutions while encouraging neighborhood engagement. This configuration increases the floor area ratio of the old town, revitalizing the community without disrupting the historical character of the area. The thoughtful arrangement of residential units allows for creative use of space, addressing local housing needs in a practical manner.

Sustainability Measures

A photovoltaic system featuring Monocrystalline Silicon Double-sided PV Panels supports the energy requirements of the residential units. With peak efficiencies between 285W and 356W, these panels align with sustainable living practices. Additionally, the design includes a comprehensive water management system, consisting of storage tanks for both cold and hot water, as well as provisions for grey and black water. This thoughtful approach to resource management reflects an understanding of the necessities in densely populated urban environments.

The design features balconies that extend from the living space, creating functional areas for relaxation and engagement with the environment. This detail emphasizes a balance between urban life and nature, enhancing the overall living experience.

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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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