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Vertical Community Living with Colorful Terraces and Inward-Facing Streets

Author:
Iain Jamieson
Vertical Community Living with Colorful Terraces and Inward-Facing Streets
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Colorful terraces rise vertically in a community-oriented layout, creating inward-facing streets that encourage social interaction and address the housing needs of London’s diverse population.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful terraces enhance individuality among residences, promoting a vibrant community identity.
02
The inward-facing street design minimizes exterior disturbances and fosters social connections.
03
Vertical stacking of cul-de-sacs creates a unique high-density living configuration.
04
A variety of housing typologies accommodates diverse family sizes and needs.
05
Communal spaces promote interaction, encouraging an active neighborhood lifestyle.

Cul-De-Sacs in the Clouds is located along the Thames at the Greenwich Peninsula and aims to tackle the challenges of high-density living in London. It creatively combines elements of suburban design with the principles of vertical habitation. The overall concept focuses on creating a sense of community, promoting social interaction among residents, and responding to the evolving housing needs of the city.

Community-Centric Design

The design features stacked cul-de-sac layouts that encourage neighborly connections. Each residential unit is oriented toward communal spaces, enhancing visibility and promoting engagement. This configuration allows for casual encounters among residents, which can foster relationships and support a sense of belonging.

Inward-Facing Streets

Inward-facing streets form secure, enclosed areas that reduce the impact of external noise and disturbances. This design choice prioritizes safety and promotes social activities, resulting in spaces that feel inviting and intimate. It stands in contrast to traditional urban designs that often expose residents to busy main roads and their distractions.

Diverse Housing Typologies

The project includes a mix of housing types, from single-bedroom flats to larger family maisons. This variety caters to different household sizes and needs, creating an inclusive community. The use of colorful terrace houses aims to provide individuality and personality to the homes, moving away from the often-monotonous appearance of social housing in the region.

Accessible Integration

Accessibility is a key principle in the design. Vertical stacking allows for easy movement across various levels, with interconnected communal areas simplifying navigation. Multiple entry points enhance convenience and comfort, making it easier for residents to engage with outdoor spaces and each other.

Each home is designed to encourage interaction with its surroundings, featuring living areas and kitchens that overlook communal spaces. This approach strives to cultivate a lively atmosphere, enhancing daily life within the community.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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