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Vertical Communities with Integrated Green Spaces and Flexible Living Modules

Authors:
Stefano Grisoglio, Mario Daudo, Cristina Zilio
Vertical Communities with Integrated Green Spaces and Flexible Living Modules
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Vertical gardens and flexible living modules define a new urban concept that integrates residential and public spaces to foster community engagement within London's skyline.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible living modules allow for custom adaptations based on individual resident needs.
02
Thirty-two thousand square meters of public space promote community interaction and engagement.
03
Vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and improve air quality in the urban environment.
04
Large vertical shafts facilitate essential mechanical services, optimizing building functionality.
05
The design integrates diverse communal areas for social activities and recreational use.

Living the Core focuses on creating a new type of living environment in London. The goal is to bring together residential and commercial spaces into vertical villages. This design aims to change how people experience city life by turning ordinary office spaces into vibrant places for living and working. The project responds to the issues of loneliness and empty buildings in the city, presenting a unified approach to urban architecture that encourages community interactions.

Concept and Functionality

The core idea revolves around a system of flexible modules that can be customized for different needs. Residents can modify their living spaces according to their lifestyles. This adaptability supports a mix of activities, combining homes with areas for work, art, and socializing. By allowing for various uses, the design promotes a new way of living in the city, responding to the changing demands of urban life.

Public and Private Space

A significant portion of the design dedicates around 32,060 square meters to public areas, making up about 8% of the total space. This focus on shared spaces encourages connections among residents. The plan includes green areas, recreational facilities, and cultural venues, all of which aim to improve daily life. The design’s emphasis on community resources is essential for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in the urban environment.

Community-Centric Design

The project takes into account the different lifestyles of potential residents, featuring profiles ranging from students to families. Understanding these varied needs helps create practical living solutions that are both manageable and welcoming. The design ensures that each space can host social events while also providing quiet corners for relaxation. This careful balance enhances the overall quality of living for everyone involved.

Sustainability and Adaptation

While specific materials are not mentioned in the details, the design embraces sustainability. Large vertical shafts are an important feature, as they facilitate necessary mechanical systems and demonstrate an effort to create flexible spaces. This feature highlights the intention to address future urban challenges.

The integration of vertical gardens enhances the visual appeal while improving air quality. These green elements provide a connection to nature within city life, contributing positively to the environment and the well-being of residents. The design seeks to make urban living healthier and more enjoyable for all.

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The Next House: USA
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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