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Vertical Farming and Waste-to-Energy Integration in a Modular Urban Habitat

Authors:
Sijing Liu, Christina Hardie, Tim Mooney
Vertical Farming and Waste-to-Energy Integration in a Modular Urban Habitat
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Incorporating vertical farming and a waste-to-energy system, the design creates a modular urban habitat that seamlessly integrates sustainable practices within a vibrant community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular core allows vertical movement and adaptability of compartments.
02
Integrated aeroponic gardens support local food production within the building.
03
Waste-to-energy facilities convert waste into usable energy on-site.
04
Design promotes multifunctional spaces for social interaction and community engagement.
05
Sustainable practices reduce ecological footprint through closed-loop systems.

Proxima Tower represents a practical and thoughtful response to the challenges of urban living, emphasizing sustainability and community. The design features a modular core with floating compartments that allow for vertical movement and flexible use of space. This modern building aims to create a self-sufficient environment where people can work, live, and connect.

Modular Design and Flexibility

The project is anchored by a central modular core that enables compartments to be easily attached or moved. This setup offers significant spatial versatility, allowing the building to adapt to changing needs over time. The design provides an efficient use of space, making it suitable for a variety of functions as the urban landscape changes.

Sustainable Practices

A key aspect of the approach is its closed-loop system that supports autonomous operations. Integrated features include food production through aeroponic gardens, energy generation, and efficient waste management facilities. By recycling waste and wastewater, the building minimizes its environmental impact and highlights environmentally friendly living.

Community Integration

The design also promotes a sense of community by featuring multifunctional spaces where residents can engage in living, working, and cultural activities. These shared areas encourage interaction and foster a supportive environment. The project reflects a clear understanding of urban dynamics, enhancing the surrounding area's character.

Incorporating waste-to-energy facilities exemplifies the commitment to sustainability. This feature enables the building to generate energy from its waste, further reducing its ecological footprint. Such practical solutions blend seamlessly into the overall design, showcasing an emphasis on efficient living in a modern urban context.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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