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Vertical Greenery and Mesh Facades in Modular Urban Living

Author:
Eva Laura Joa Joa
Vertical Greenery and Mesh Facades in Modular Urban Living
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Utilizing a façade of welded mesh and integrated vertical gardens, this modular housing solution in Milan offers a sustainable approach to urban living by promoting ecological benefits while accommodating diverse residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a façade constructed from welded mesh panels that enhance airflow and light penetration.
02
Integrates vertical gardens on the exterior to promote urban biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
Features a modular design allowing units to be combined or stacked based on site-specific requirements.
04
Incorporates community hubs on the ground floor to foster local economic activity and social interaction.
05
Employs sustainable materials such as concrete and steel, focusing on durability and environmental efficiency.

## Project Overview

Located in Milan, Italy, the Living Grid project addresses the ongoing housing crisis by proposing an affordable and adaptable structure designed to accommodate various pre-fabricated living units. The aim is to provide flexible housing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of urban residents while enhancing the overall living environment in the city.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The design features three distinct types of living units: a 1-bedroom unit (47 m²), a 2-bedroom unit (50 m²), and a 3-bedroom unit (65 m²). Each unit prioritizes space efficiency while ensuring comfort and usability through an open-plan layout. The building’s dimensions allow for both horizontal and vertical expansion, facilitating adaptability based on changing spatial needs. The strategic placement of windows maximizes natural light, contributing to a healthy indoor atmosphere that promotes well-being and social interaction among residents.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Sustainability is a key focus, with a selection of materials geared toward energy efficiency and ecological functionality. Reinforced concrete provides structural support, while steel beams enable flexible spatial configurations. The façade incorporates welded mesh panels that enhance ventilation and daylight penetration, creating a biophilic environment through the integration of vertical gardens. These features not only improve aesthetic appeal but also support urban biodiversity and enhance thermal performance, addressing environmental considerations in contemporary urban design.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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