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Vertical Gardens and Recycled Concrete Enhance Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Chia-chin Lee, Ting-wei Yang
Vertical Gardens and Recycled Concrete Enhance Sustainable Urban Living
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Incorporating vertical gardens and using recycled concrete, this residential development promotes sustainable living while fostering community interaction through thoughtfully designed communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular living units enhance adaptability for diverse needs.
02
Vertical gardens improve air quality and aesthetics.
03
Natural light integration minimizes energy consumption effectively.
04
Communal outdoor spaces foster resident social interaction.
05
Faceted glass panels reflect the urban environment visually.

The Milan Affordable Housing project embodies a thoughtful response to the growing need for affordable living solutions in urban environments. This architectural initiative addresses contemporary housing challenges by promoting community, sustainability, and flexibility in design. The project focuses on creating multi-functional living spaces that can adapt to various needs, ensuring housing remains accessible to a diverse population.

Design and Functionality

This project integrates innovative architectural approaches that redefine urban living. The arrangement consists of modular living units built around shared amenities, facilitating interaction among residents. Each unit is designed with an emphasis on efficient use of space, combining private living areas with communal functions—such as gardens, social lounges, and shared kitchens. This layout fosters a sense of community while ensuring that residents have the privacy they need.

Key architectural elements include:

- Modular Configuration: The design incorporates interchangeable units that allow for customization, enhancing the adaptability of living spaces based on changing demographics and individual preferences. - Green Integration: The project features vertical gardens and green roofs, contributing to improved air quality and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building while promoting biodiversity. - Sustainable Materials: The use of recycled concrete and sustainably sourced wood elements emphasizes a commitment to environmentally friendly construction practices.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable aspect of this project is its focus on stress-free living through architectural design. The integration of natural light and airflow in unit layouts minimizes reliance on artificial heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption. The modular design enables easy reconfiguration of spaces, accommodating different household sizes and compositions without substantial renovations.

Another innovative feature is the incorporation of communal outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with private units. These areas encourage social interaction, supporting community engagement amongst residents, which is often lacking in traditional urban housing models. The design seeks to create an inclusive environment, making residents feel part of a larger community while enjoying the benefits of private living.

Architectural Details and Technical Aspects

The building’s façade is characterized by faceted glass panels that reflect the surrounding environment, creating an inviting visual connection with the urban landscape. These materials not only enhance energy efficiency but also optimize natural light penetration, creating a more pleasant interior climate.

The structural framework is composed of steel, providing necessary reinforcement while allowing for flexible spatial configurations. Carefully planned circulation routes ensure easy movement within the building, enhancing accessibility for all residents.

The project serves as a model for future urban housing developments by balancing affordability with high-quality design. It exemplifies how architecture can address social challenges while integrating sustainable practices.

For a comprehensive overview of this innovative housing solution, explore architectural plans, sections, and designs that delve deeper into the conceptual underpinnings and execution of this project. Engage with these architectural ideas to appreciate the full scope and impact of the Milan Affordable Housing project.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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

Open architecture competitions

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

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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