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Social Hub with Staggered Balconies and Cross Ventilation

Authors:
Eisha Nagpal, Sarmad Syed Mohammed
Social Hub with Staggered Balconies and Cross Ventilation
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With a central social hub and staggered balconies that enhance cross ventilation, the design offers a community-focused residential environment that integrates seamlessly with the historic context of Essendon.
5 key facts about this project
01
Social hub designed to encourage resident interaction.
02
Staggered balconies enhance privacy and natural light.
03
Cross ventilation integrated throughout living spaces.
04
Landscapes created for communal enjoyment and aesthetics.
05
Variety of apartment heights to blend with urban context.

The Essendon neighborhood features a design that reflects its rich history while addressing modern housing needs. Located in an area that dates back to the 1850s, when it served as a passage for miners during the gold rush, the development mixes contemporary residential spaces with a connection to the past. The project focuses on a variety of apartments and townhouses that encourage community interaction, alongside commercial areas on the ground floor to enhance local activity and accessibility.

Design Concept

A key aspect of the design is the creation of a communal space that serves as a social hub for residents. This central feature invites people to come together, fostering interactions in a shared environment. The apartments are designed in various heights and lengths, accommodating different styles and preferences. This flexible approach allows the buildings to blend well with the existing urban landscape while promoting a sense of community.

Sustainability and Accessibility

The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to offer affordable housing that respects environmental concerns. Innovative building techniques support these goals, although specific materials are not detailed in the documentation. Natural light and ventilation are major considerations in the layout, which allows for fresh air and sunlight to flow through the living spaces. This focus on environmental quality contributes to a comfortable indoor atmosphere while reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control.

Outdoor Integration

Staggered patios and balconies extend living areas outside, offering residents a connection to nature and promoting a sense of openness. These outdoor spaces allow for views and light to enter, making homes feel more inviting. The landscaping around the buildings is designed to enhance air circulation, improving the outdoor experience and helping to create a pleasant atmosphere for all residents.

Community Considerations

The layout of shared spaces encourages community life while also protecting individual privacy. Fixed windows provide views of the landscaped areas, carefully maintaining visual separation between units. This attention to privacy helps support a comfortable living environment without sacrificing opportunities for social interaction.

Overall, the design emphasizes collaboration among residents through shared outdoor spaces that serve as natural gathering points. These elements come together to create a community-focused environment that respects the historical context of Essendon while looking towards the needs of future 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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