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Sustainable Habitats Enclosed in Glass and Concrete with Green Courtyards

Authors:
Jaemin Kim, Gwanseo Mun
Sustainable Habitats Enclosed in Glass and Concrete with Green Courtyards
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Characterized by its extensive use of glazed facades and interspersed green courtyards, the design seamlessly integrates urban living with sustainability, catering to the needs of a modern community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive greenery on terraces to enhance biodiversity.
02
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to optimize natural light.
03
Integrates communal spaces designed to promote neighbor interactions.
04
Features large glazed facades for increased transparency and views.
05
Constructed with a durable steel frame for flexibility in layout.

## Overview

The "Broken Boundary" project is located in Milan and offers a contemporary solution to urban residential architecture, addressing the diverse needs of modern housing within the city's evolving landscape. The design emphasizes the relationship between private and communal spaces, facilitating community engagement while ensuring individual privacy and access to greenery. This intent is reflected in the thoughtful arrangement of building components, integrating the development into the urban context of Milan.

## Spatial Arrangement and Connectivity

The project features an innovative floor plan that optimizes the residential units while maximizing natural light and accessibility. Central courtyards function as pivotal links between individual homes and communal areas, promoting interaction among residents. The interconnected design nurtures a communal lifestyle without compromising personal space, embodying a balanced approach to urban living. The vertical and horizontal relationships established between various areas ensure an efficient flow of movement and a user-friendly experience.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Materiality is a critical aspect of the design, contributing to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include a structural steel frame, which allows flexibility in layout, and glazed facades that enhance transparency and natural light access. Durable concrete forms the robust framework of the building, while warm wood finishes are incorporated in interior elements for added comfort. The integration of green spaces across various levels not only enhances visual quality but also promotes ecological benefits, enriching the urban environment and supporting biodiversity. This careful material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability in modern architecture.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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