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Vertical Integration with Urban Farming in Compact Living Environments

Author:
Camilo Cerro
Vertical Integration with Urban Farming in Compact Living Environments
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Incorporating vertical integration and urban farming, the design prioritizes compact living spaces that foster community engagement while addressing the need for self-sufficient housing in densely populated areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates urban farming directly into residential units.
02
Uses cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
04
Prioritizes communal spaces to foster neighbor interaction.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design for optimal space utilization.

The design responds to the urgent issue of urban migration, situated in an urban environment where increasing population density poses significant challenges to housing. With more people flocking to cities, there is a pressing need for innovative living solutions. The focus is on creating smaller, multifunctional dwellings that efficiently use space while preserving communal areas. The overall concept aims to reshape traditional housing models to meet the realities of modern urban life.

Concept and Functionality

The approach centers on the idea of compact homes that enhance spatial efficiency and promote sustainable living. By adopting a rightsizing philosophy regarding human habitation, the design encourages the use of technology and careful space planning. This balance aims to improve living conditions while ensuring that homes are well integrated with urban activities, allowing for smooth transitions between daily tasks and leisure.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of residential units plays a crucial role in the design. It encourages vertical integration of living spaces, work areas, and agricultural components. This setup maximizes land use in congested urban centers. Open layouts are designed to bring in natural light and air, creating a lively connection to the outside world that is often absent in typical housing designs.

Community Integration

A strong emphasis is placed on fostering a sense of community. Shared spaces and facilities are thoughtfully arranged to promote social interaction among residents. This is particularly relevant for single-person households and smaller families, who represent an increasing portion of urban demographics. By prioritizing community dynamics, the design aims to cultivate a more connected and supportive living environment.

Sustainability and Resilience

Specific materials are not detailed in the design narrative, but there is a clear commitment to eco-friendliness and sustainability. This reflects an intention to lessen the overall environmental impact of urban living. The proposed integration of energy production and water recycling systems within the homes highlights a vision of self-reliance. Homes are designed to harness natural resources, contributing to a resilient urban ecosystem that can adapt to future challenges.

At the core of the design is an important feature: the incorporation of agricultural components within the living areas. This creates a network of urban farming that supports both self-sufficiency and community interaction. This detail enhances daily life while reinforcing the broader theme of sustainable urban living.

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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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