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Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Natural Ventilation Techniques

Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Natural Ventilation Techniques
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Utilizing multi-level terraced designs and integrated vertical gardens, the development optimally addresses Genoa’s challenging topography while providing essential housing and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Multi-tiered design maximizes views and accessibility across the hilly landscape.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into terraces enhance biodiversity and air quality.
03
Local materials include charred wood shingles, ensuring context-sensitive aesthetics.
04
Unique funicular transport system provides efficient access between different levels.
05
Community center features spaces for cultural activities, fostering social engagement.

## Overview

Located in Genoa, Italy, the project addresses the unique challenges posed by the city's hilly terrain and dense urban fabric. The aim is to create an inclusive urban environment that emphasizes social cohesion while integrating modern amenities within a context steeped in historical significance. The design prioritizes sustainability and accessibility, seeking to improve connectivity for residents faced with mobility restrictions in steep areas.

## Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout employs a multi-level arrangement of residential units, designed to harmonize with the topography of the site. These staggered, terraced structures allow for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape while facilitating ease of movement through gently sloped pathways and funicular transportation systems. The separation between public and private spaces ensures individual privacy while fostering communal interaction. Public amenities, such as a cultural center, terraces, and parks, are strategically located to enhance social interactions within the community.

## Materiality and Construction

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in achieving both aesthetic and functional goals. Durable concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing stability in the challenging hillside context. Glass is extensively utilized in facades to maximize natural light and visual openness between indoor and outdoor areas. Steel is incorporated in structural elements like balconies, lending dynamic lines to the design. Wood is used thoughtfully in residential spaces and outdoor areas, enhancing warmth and livability. Additionally, the integration of green roofs and vertical gardens promotes biodiversity and contributes to improved air quality.

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

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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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