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Sustainable Green Spaces with Glass Facades and Sun Breakers

Authors:
Marah Altarawneh, Nawras Almasri
Sustainable Green Spaces with Glass Facades and Sun Breakers
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The integration of permeable facades and sun breakers enhances environmental efficiency in a dual-tower complex that promotes both community interaction and sustainable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integration of circulation ribbons enhances accessibility throughout the towers.
02
Central public area designed for community gatherings and events.
03
Green Pockets create designated common spaces for social interaction.
04
Extensive landscaping incorporates urban farming and gardens.
05
Atria maximize natural light and ventilation within the towers.

The SkyHaven project represents a thoughtful approach to revitalizing abandoned structures in Amman, Jordan, particularly the Jordan Gate Towers. The design combines living and working spaces, transforming previously unused areas into vibrant parts of the community. By incorporating new functions, the project aims to encourage local interaction and restore a sense of belonging in a neighborhood that has faced challenges.

Concept and Fragmentation

The main idea behind this design focuses on The Engine, a reimagined heavy podium that now acts as a public park. This space hosts urban farming and markets, creating opportunities for celebration and connection. The towers are intentionally fragmented, allowing each to express its own identity. One tower is arranged for formal work functions, while the other takes on a more organic form to support residential living.

Circulation and Connectivity

Movement through the design is enhanced by two circulation ribbons that wrap around the towers. These ribbons meet at important points, such as entrances and gathering spaces, allowing people to navigate easily. The winding paths lead to seating areas surrounded by landscaping, creating a friendly atmosphere. The design emphasizes a central area where community members can come together, fostering everyday social interactions.

Landscape and Environmental Integration

Landscaping is a vital component of the project, with urban parks and gardens integrated throughout the terraces. Atria have been added within the towers to promote natural light and fresh air, improving indoor comfort. Sun breakers manage heat from sunlight, while a permeable facade allows for ventilation. This focus on the environment helps create pleasant living and working spaces that feel connected to nature.

Co-Working and Community Living

SkyHaven establishes clear areas for working and living, presenting a new framework for urban life. Vertical shifts in the towers create Green Pockets, designated common areas that offer a buffer between spaces. These zones encourage interaction among residents and workers alike. This structure rethinks the balance between work and home life in Amman, aiming to facilitate harmony within the urban landscape.

Amid the design, the central public space is crafted to encourage gathering and celebration. This area is not just a pathway but a focal point for community activities, reinforcing the project’s aim of revitalizing urban life and enhancing connections among people.

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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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