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Spiral Ramps and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Senior Housing Initiative

Spiral Ramps and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Senior Housing Initiative
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A central spiral ramp enhances accessibility while maximizing natural light in a residential complex designed for seniors, fostering communal interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central spiral ramps provide seamless accessibility across all levels.
02
Natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, enhancing the living environment.
03
Unique communal spaces are strategically placed to promote interaction among residents.
04
Sustainable materials, including concrete and wood, are utilized for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
05
Design integrates landscape features, promoting a connection to nature within the urban setting.

## Project Overview
Located at 2177 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, New York, the proposed housing complex aims to create an environment for seniors that promotes social interaction while addressing issues of accessibility and isolation. The design focuses on fostering a sense of community by integrating residential spaces with communal areas that cater specifically to the needs of elderly residents.

### Spatial Organization and Community Facilities
The architectural design emphasizes a barrier-free layout that encourages spontaneous social engagement. Key features include centrally located shared spaces such as a cafeteria, activity rooms, and a communal kitchen, which are strategically placed to facilitate interaction among residents. The living units are organized to balance privacy and communal living, with private bedrooms adjoining shared living rooms. A unique spiral ramp system connects all levels of the building, ensuring ease of movement and accessibility for individuals with varying mobility levels.

### Materiality and Design Details
The project employs a selection of materials chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, supporting the ramp systems. Extensive use of glass in the façades maximizes natural light and creates visual transparency between private and communal areas. Steel provides structural integrity for both the ramps and shared spaces, while wood finishes are incorporated into select interior elements to enhance warmth. Additionally, vegetative plantings are integrated into the design, offering both aesthetic enhancement and a connection to nature. The overall design promotes an inviting atmosphere, essential for fostering community ties among 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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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