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Terraced Living in Melbourne with Resident-Centric Entrances and Community Connectivity

Author:
Magdalena Witek
Terraced Living in Melbourne with Resident-Centric Entrances and Community Connectivity
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With personal entrances and expansive green terraces, the design emphasizes resident engagement and adaptability, catering to the diverse needs of community living in Melbourne.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique gallery system connects all units while preserving privacy.
02
Generous green terraces extend living areas for outdoor usage.
03
Dedicated service ground floor enhances neighborhood interaction.
04
Flexibility in design allows expansion based on user needs.
05
Early user participation shapes spaces according to community preferences.

The multi-family residential design is located in Melbourne, a city known for its steady growth and urban development. It strives to improve livability through a thoughtful layout that prioritizes individual experiences. Each unit has its own entrance, allowing residents a sense of privacy and ownership. Large green terraces enhance the living space, creating opportunities for outdoor activities and fostering a connection among neighbors.

Design Concept

The design incorporates a gallery system that connects the individual flats. These galleries serve as pathways that encourage interactions between residents while still maintaining quiet personal spaces. They help bridge the gap between the public street and private homes, allowing for a smooth transition from communal areas to individual living environments. Each entry is designed to offer a welcoming atmosphere.

Functional Aspects

In addition to personal and shared spaces, the building features a service ground floor aimed at activating the street and promoting the neighborhood’s vibrancy. This ground level encourages residents to engage actively with the surrounding urban environment. The building's façade is designed to unify its appearance while offering shade from the sun, which is important in a city that experiences a lot of sunshine throughout the year.

Flexibility and User Participation

Flexibility is a key element of the design, allowing it to meet the diverse needs of various residents, including singles and families. Early involvement of future residents in the design process ensures that the spaces serve their needs effectively. This community-focused approach highlights the use of prefabrication and local materials, which contribute to sustainable construction practices and minimize environmental impact.

The design culminates in a unique roofline that not only adds visual interest but also creates outdoor areas at different heights. This feature allows residents to enjoy their surroundings while creating varied experiences in the shared space above the building.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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