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Vertical Living and Working Spaces with Communal Elements in a Compact Setting

Author:
Noran Alansary
Vertical Living and Working Spaces with Communal Elements in a Compact Setting
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Combining vertical living arrangements with shared workspaces and a common terrace, this design maximizes functionality and interaction in a compact urban environment tailored for an architect and a sculptor.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual-use design accommodates both living and working spaces for an architect and a sculptor.
02
Compact footprint maximizes functionality within 36 m² per user.
03
Common terrace fosters interaction while maintaining privacy in vertical arrangements.
04
Private garden enhances livability and provides a green buffer from urban surroundings.
05
Thoughtful integration of shared and individual spaces supports a collaborative lifestyle.

The Compacted Ell accommodates two users: an architect and a sculptor. Located in a compact urban setting, the building provides 36 m² for each user and a shared terrace of 9 m². The design emphasizes efficient use of space, blending private living areas with workspaces. This balance fosters both independent activities and moments of collaboration.

Spatial Organization

The ground floor serves as User 1’s living area. It includes a bedroom, a toilet, a kitchen, and a living room. This setup prioritizes comfort and convenience, making daily routines straightforward. The design provides a welcoming home where essential functions are easily accessible.



Workspaces

The first floor is designated as a shared working space for both users. This arrangement supports productivity and creativity, allowing each user to engage with their work while remaining connected to the other. User 2 accesses their workspace from this level, promoting teamwork and a sense of community.



Vertical Arrangement

User 2’s living area occupies the second floor. This vertical arrangement provides a clear distinction between personal and professional spaces. By situating living quarters above the workspace, the design enhances privacy for both users. The common terrace in between encourages social interaction and relaxation, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the building.



Environmental Context

The building is surrounded by a private garden, adding greenery to the environment. This outdoor space enhances the overall livability of the home, offering a peaceful area for respite. It also creates a buffer from the busy urban surroundings, allowing for a more tranquil experience at home.

Overall, the design reflects a thoughtful approach to the needs of its occupants. It balances shared and individual spaces within a compact footprint, creating a practical and comfortable living environment. Each element is designed with attention to functionality and ease of use, ensuring a harmonious lifestyle for both users.

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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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