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Solar-Powered Living with Rooftop Parks and Community Gardens

Authors:
Cass Smith, Frank Yang
Solar-Powered Living with Rooftop Parks and Community Gardens
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Elevated above a busy transit hub, the mixed-use development integrates solar panels, wind turbines, and a rooftop park with community gardens to provide affordable housing and foster social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Affordable housing integrated above a podium slab to maximize views and light.
02
Full-height central atrium enhances natural ventilation and communal comfort.
03
On-site daycare facility, Skycare, supports families within the community.
04
Rooftop park includes a running track and open-air sculpture garden.
05
Sustainability achieved through solar panels and wind turbines for net-zero energy.

The MIX aims to reshape affordable housing in San Francisco's Outer Mission district. Close to the Balboa Park BART station, the location takes advantage of the available transport options, meeting the growing need for accessible homes. The design consists of a tower sitting above a podium slab, which helps maximize natural light, offers passive ventilation, and provides residents with impressive views.

Community Integration

The ground-level design focuses on fostering community by including retail spaces like grocery stores and cafés. These areas create a lively environment where residents and visitors can interact. Such a setting is important in urban life, where commercial and residential areas blend and support each other.



Outdoor Spaces

On the podium level, the design includes a one-acre linear park and community garden. These green spaces enhance the living experience, offering outdoor areas for recreation and socializing. By integrating nature into daily life, the design aims to improve well-being and encourage connections among residents.



Architectural Features

An important element of the tower is the full-height central atrium. This feature allows for ample natural light and passive ventilation, improving the comfort of communal areas. Beyond its practical functions, the atrium also adds visual interest to the interior.



Rooftop Amenities

The upper levels provide sweeping views, highlighted by an open-air sculpture garden on the 13th floor. This space allows residents to relax and reflect. The rooftop park also features recreational facilities, including a running track, which promotes physical activity. Additionally, the design incorporates sustainable features, such as solar panels and wind turbines, aiming to achieve net-zero energy use.



The design of The MIX is characterized by its thoughtful organization and attention to detail. By balancing public and private spaces, it seeks to create a cohesive environment that meets the needs of its residents.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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