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Solar-Panel-Faced Units Featuring Elevated Gabled Roofs and Flexible Living Spaces

Solar-Panel-Faced Units Featuring Elevated Gabled Roofs and Flexible Living Spaces
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Elevated gabled roofs with integrated solar panels and flexible living spaces define a sustainable urban residence designed to enhance community interactions while providing adaptable, efficient housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living units enhance privacy while fostering communal interaction.
02
Integrated solar panels contribute to net energy production.
03
Movable walls allow for customizable interior configurations.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable water use.

### Overview

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the project aims to address the evolving urban landscape characterized by an influx of residents and a focus on sustainable living solutions. Situated at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, the design emphasizes the need for adaptable and versatile living spaces that foster community engagement while maintaining functionality for its users.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Connectivity

The layout is designed to enhance social interaction among residents, featuring interconnected pathways that facilitate movement and encourage communal activities. Private living units are elevated, allowing for the integration of balconies that serve as outdoor extensions of the homes. This arrangement not only supports outdoor leisure activities but also strengthens neighborhood ties. Adaptable living spaces equipped with movable walls offer flexibility to accommodate varied functions, such as home offices or guest areas, aligning with contemporary urban living demands.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials is utilized to meet both aesthetic and environmental objectives. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) form the main structure, providing enhanced thermal efficiency. The exterior integrates solar panels to harness renewable energy, while rainwater harvesting systems are embedded within the design to promote resource reuse. Wood cladding contributes warmth and highlights sustainable forestry practices, whereas durable metal railings and staircases add an industrial touch, nodding to Milwaukee’s heritage. This combination of materials not only supports energy efficiency—adhering to Phius CORE standards—but also emphasizes a commitment to sustainability throughout the project.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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