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Steel Frame Community Units with Outdoor Access in Urban Environments

Author:
Samantha Hill
Steel Frame Community Units with Outdoor Access in Urban Environments
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Stacked steel frame units with direct outdoor access redefine urban living in Downtown Los Angeles by integrating residential and communal spaces within a versatile mixed-use environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Prefabricated units are constructed off-site for efficient assembly.
02
Units allow direct outdoor access, promoting interaction with surroundings.
03
Stacked design maximizes vertical space for better land use.
04
A central circulation core enhances accessibility for all occupants.
05
Steel frame structure supports a versatile mixed-use environment.

The design features a collection of prefabricated units situated in Downtown Los Angeles, specifically within the Westlake Neighborhood. The project aims to redefine urban living by integrating residential, commercial, and communal spaces into a cohesive framework. It focuses on modular design, promoting efficiency while creating vibrant living environments that encourage community interaction.

Design Concept

The concept revolves around a stacked layout that utilizes vertical space effectively. This arrangement includes both single-story and double-story units, designed to cater to a variety of residential and commercial uses. Each unit allows for direct outdoor access, fostering a connection between living spaces and the surrounding environment.

Circulation and Accessibility

A key element of the design is the efficient circulation system. A central vertical core works in tandem with horizontal exterior corridors, making movement throughout the structure straightforward. This configuration enhances accessibility for all residents and visitors. Stacking the units not only optimizes the use of land but also promotes social connections among occupants, reinforcing a sense of community.

Structural System

The design incorporates a steel frame structure, chosen for its strength and versatility. Prefabricated units enable quicker construction through assembly on-site rather than traditional methods. This choice of materials aligns with modern architectural practices, allowing for an adaptable solution that meets the demands of mixed-use spaces.

Integration of Outdoor Spaces

The project emphasizes outdoor areas, providing residents with easy access to communal spaces. These outdoor features enhance the living experience, offering opportunities for relaxation and socializing. Careful planning of the units and outdoor spaces creates a harmonious environment where private and communal life can coexist.

Landscaped elements throughout the project connect the units to nature, inviting residents to enjoy the outdoors and interact with their surroundings. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces fosters a balance between urban living and a connection to nature.

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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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