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Suspended Living Units Enhanced by Local Sandstone and Green Roofs Beneath Urban Bridges

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Suspended Living Units Enhanced by Local Sandstone and Green Roofs Beneath Urban Bridges
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Suspended residential units crafted from local sandstone and integrated with green roofs redefine urban living by transforming the often-overlooked spaces beneath bridges into functional community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended living units utilize the underside of bridges to create innovative housing solutions.
02
Integration of local sandstone enhances aesthetic coherence with the urban environment.
03
Green roofs promote biodiversity and provide communal outdoor spaces for residents.
04
Large windows in units maximize natural light and views while maintaining privacy.
05
Design fosters connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods through accessible pedestrian pathways.

### Overview and Concept

Located in Luxembourg City, the project addresses the pressing housing crisis by integrating residential units beneath bridge structures. This approach maximizes underutilized urban spaces, transforming them into functional living environments. The initiative aims to increase housing availability while simultaneously improving the aesthetic and functional aspects of existing urban infrastructure, aligning with the city's needs for innovative housing solutions.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design features compact residential units arranged to optimize natural light through large windows and balconies, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. Ground and first-floor layouts thoughtfully separate sleeping and communal areas, fostering a balance between privacy and social interaction. Shared green spaces are incorporated to promote community engagement, providing residents with communal areas that facilitate interaction while enhancing ecological sustainability through green roofs and terraces.

The project strategically includes ramps that connect to the upper deck of the bridge, ensuring easy pedestrian access to surrounding parks and residential areas. This integration reinforces the relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape, encouraging a re-evaluation of underdeveloped land around urban infrastructure.

### Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

Local sandstone serves as the primary facade material, establishing visual continuity with the surrounding environment while reinforcing regional identity. The extensive use of glass in the residential units not only creates expansive views but also contributes to a sense of spaciousness within confined areas. Structural elements utilize steel and concrete, ensuring that the design maintains structural integrity while reflecting contemporary architectural principles.

The careful selection of materials emphasizes cultural sensitivity and contextuality, creating an architectural language that resonates with Luxembourg's historical and aesthetic attributes. Design elements prioritize functionality without compromising aesthetic appeal, balancing utility and beauty throughout the living spaces.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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