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Vertical Gardens and Teak Wood Define a Floating Living Space by the River

Vertical Gardens and Teak Wood Define a Floating Living Space by the River
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A floating structure with vertical gardens and marine-grade teak wood offers a sustainable and compact living environment along the riverside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating foundation utilizing HDPE pipes enhances buoyancy and stability.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into the facade improve air quality and aesthetics.
03
Marine-grade teak wood ensures durability in a riverside environment.
04
U-shaped metal roof design facilitates efficient water drainage and shading.
05
Tempered glass with mirror film maximizes natural light while providing privacy.

### Project Overview
"Mirror by the River" is a contemporary residential design located along a riverside, aiming to establish a functional living space that integrates with its ecological surroundings. The project emphasizes ecological sustainability and creates a habitat that resonates with the natural rhythm of the river. The strategic site selection enhances accessibility to local waterways, ensuring that residents can maintain a connection to the natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design features a compact living unit of approximately 24 square meters, organized into distinct functional zones, including a kitchen and resting area, a bedroom with a working space, and a bathroom with storage. Efficient zoning promotes a balance between functionality and comfort, accommodating diverse lifestyles. Additionally, the inclusion of vertical gardens on the façade enhances the dwelling's visual appeal, while also serving as a mechanism for natural insulation, thereby improving energy efficiency.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Careful material selection is central to the project’s design philosophy, focusing on durability and ecological relevance. Marine-grade Teak wood is utilized for walls and flooring to enhance longevity in a waterfront setting, while lightweight U-shaped metal sheets create structural integrity for the roofing system. Tempered glass with mirror film allows for natural light while maintaining privacy. The incorporation of stainless steel for the vertical garden components facilitates plant growth, contributing to both aesthetic and environmental benefits. This approach to materials underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and ecological harmony.

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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.

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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