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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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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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.

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