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Transparent Facades and Green Roofs Enhance Community Engagement at Waterfront Hub

Transparent Facades and Green Roofs Enhance Community Engagement at Waterfront Hub
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Incorporating transparent facades and green roofs, the design seamlessly integrates with its waterfront setting to create a multifunctional community hub that fosters cultural engagement and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a historical concrete wall from the site’s industrial past as a central design element.
02
Features extensive green roofs to enhance biodiversity and manage stormwater effectively.
03
Utilizes natural ventilation through strategically placed windows and vents for energy efficiency.
04
Emphasizes community interaction with open pedestrian pathways connecting diverse functional areas.
05
Integrates flexible outdoor spaces that can accommodate various community events and activities.

## Project Overview
Located along a prominent waterfront, the structure is designed to serve as a hub for cultural engagement and environmental sustainability. The facility features multifunctional spaces that address educational, recreational, and community needs while maintaining a responsive relationship with both its urban context and natural surroundings.

## Spatial Dynamics
The site plan thoughtfully balances built and unbuilt environments, incorporating public parks that encourage community interaction and serve as venues for outdoor activities. Flexible exhibition and multipurpose spaces are designed to host a variety of events, fostering creativity and collaboration. Clear pathways ensure accessibility, allowing diverse user groups to navigate the complex effortlessly.

### Ground Level and Upper Levels
The ground level is characterized by an open layout that maximizes transparency and interaction with outdoor spaces, including exhibition areas and landscaped gardens that promote social gatherings. The upper levels capitalize on panoramic views of the waterfront, featuring a naval museum dedicated to maritime history, alongside private viewing decks that enhance visitor experiences. The design prioritizes connection to the environment, employing various strategies to facilitate natural light and ventilation throughout the facility.

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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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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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