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Vertical Living Spaces with Green Walls and Sustainable Materials in Urban Environments

Vertical Living Spaces with Green Walls and Sustainable Materials in Urban Environments
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Incorporating vertical gardens and renewable materials, this urban dwelling enhances biodiversity while providing essential housing and communal spaces in a densely populated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates modular units that allow for adaptable living spaces.
02
Features extensive vertical gardens for urban agriculture and biodiversity.
03
Utilizes reinforced concrete for durability and structural integrity.
04
Integrates advanced water management systems for sustainable resource use.
05
Employs a flexible design to accommodate changing community needs.

## Project Overview

Located in Cairo, Egypt, the Probiotic Tower is an architectural endeavor that addresses the urban challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and social inequality. This project exemplifies a strategic response to the pressing issues faced by the region, aiming to serve as a prototype for future urban developments throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

## Conceptual Framework

The Probiotic Tower embraces the concept of a "Therapeutic Urban System," with a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and resilience. The design emphasizes the integration of natural elements within the built environment, fostering biodiversity and supporting a livable urban ecosystem. By encouraging social interactions and promoting ecological conservation, the tower is designed to adapt to the rapidly changing urban landscape.

### Modular Design and Biodiversity Promotion

A key aspect of the Probiotic Tower is its modular building system, which incorporates urban agriculture principles to optimize space while enhancing the structure's ecological footprint. The use of living green walls and rooftop gardens further underscores the project’s commitment to biodiversity. These biophilic design elements aim to provide habitats for various species, improve air quality, and mitigate the urban heat effect.

### Adaptability and Materiality

The tower's adaptable design allows for modifications based on the evolving needs of the community, ensuring its continued relevance. The selection of materials reflects a focus on sustainability and ecological responsibility. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while a steel framework allows for design flexibility. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light penetration, thereby reducing energy consumption, while integrated greenery contributes to thermal insulation and aesthetics.

### Design Elements

The architectural language of the Probiotic Tower is defined by several distinctive features:

- **Vertical Gardens**: These elements not only facilitate local food production but also enhance biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable resource for residents.
- **Flexible Community Spaces**: Designed to foster social interaction, these areas can be adapted for various community activities, promoting a sense of belonging among residents.
- **Sustainable Energy Solutions**: The incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, enhances energy efficiency and minimizes reliance on non-renewable resources.
- **Innovative Water Management Systems**: Strategies for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are implemented to ensure efficient water use, addressing regional water scarcity concerns.

Through its comprehensive approach to urban living, the Probiotic Tower represents a synthesis of sustainability, community engagement, and innovative design within the architectural landscape of Cairo. The project is characterized by its focus on ecological resilience to climate challenges, including strategies for heatwaves and flooding, and a community-centric approach that encourages resident participation in building maintenance and outdoor cultivation.

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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

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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