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Sustainable Greenery and Vertical Farming in a Multifunctional Urban Hub

Authors:
Darya Kaptsilina, Mihail Usyukevich
Sustainable Greenery and Vertical Farming in a Multifunctional Urban Hub
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With integrated vertical farming and extensive greenery, the design creates a self-sufficient urban hub that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, addressing the needs of a growing city.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical farming within residential areas for food sustainability.
02
Includes automatic sun protection systems for energy efficiency.
03
Features interconnecting bridges for seamless tower access.
04
Utilizes geothermal heating for reduced environmental impact.
05
Comprises designated fire compartments for enhanced safety.

City in Tower addresses the challenges of urbanization through a vertical approach. Located in a densely populated area, it combines various functions such as housing, offices, and public spaces. The design focuses on creating a self-sufficient environment where individuals can live, work, and interact without relying heavily on transportation outside the building.

Site and Specifications

The building has a footprint of 122 meters by 74 meters and rises to 340 meters, incorporating a total of 80 floors. This height allows for a high density of residents and diverse activities within a single structure. The design maximizes space while promoting a practical solution to urban living.

Mobility and Safety Features

Mobility within the tower is efficiently planned. Elevators facilitate vertical travel, while travelators connect different levels and areas. This design makes it easier for residents to navigate the building without delays. Safety is emphasized through compartmentalization. Each area has defined entrances and evacuation routes, ensuring quick access to safe zones during emergencies.

Landscaping and Energy Management

Landscaping is integral to the design, with each apartment featuring a terrace that includes plants and trees. These green spaces encourage a connection to nature in an urban setting. Public spaces also offer parks, sports fields, and swimming pools for community interaction. Energy management focuses on sustainability. The building incorporates solar panels, a wind generation system, and geothermal heating to reduce its environmental impact.

Vertical Production Facilities

The tower includes facilities for production, such as food processing and waste management. This design choice supports local economic activities and enhances the building's functionality. The underground parking structure is multi-leveled, accommodating both traditional vehicles and automated systems. This feature maximizes land use and helps streamline operations within the tower.

The façade features automatic sun protection, which helps manage heat and energy consumption. Each element of the design contributes to a practical and efficient living space, addressing the needs of modern urban life while enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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