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Vertical Living Utilizes Recycled Aluminum and Sustainable Timber for Dynamic Residential Experience

Author:
Frederik Engelbrecht
Vertical Living Utilizes Recycled Aluminum and Sustainable Timber for Dynamic Residential Experience
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Utilizing a vertical design that incorporates recycled aluminum and sustainable timber, the structure offers an engaging living space that emphasizes interaction and environmental consciousness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled aluminum for exterior cladding, enhancing durability and sustainability.
02
Incorporates a vertical wind turbine to generate renewable energy for the unit.
03
Features a rainwater collection system integrated into the design for resource efficiency.
04
Designed with spiral stairs promoting fluid movement and connectivity between levels.
05
Incorporates large glass panels for natural light and a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship.

### Project Overview

The Vertical Light Unit (VLU) is an architectural concept designed to integrate sustainable practices with contemporary living. Located in a verdant landscape, the design emphasizes visibility and interaction, responding to the growing influence of social media on residential environments. The VLU aims to foster an immersive living experience that prioritizes environmental responsibility while educating users about sustainable living.

### Conceptual Framework

**Display Living**
The VLU is characterized by its innovative approach to “display living.” This concept merges the physical space of the home with a platform for interaction and visibility, challenging conventional notions of privacy and public space. By blurring these boundaries, the design seeks to create a residential unit that functions as both a livable space and a visual statement within its context.

**Spatial Organization**
The VLU features a vertically stacked modular design that accommodates distinct living areas across multiple levels. This arrangement enhances spatial experience and includes: a lounge and functional areas on the ground level for social interaction; a workspace and communal roof terrace on the second; and a private bedroom and additional outdoor space on the third. The verticality of the structure encourages movement and engagement with the surrounding environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects the project's commitment to sustainability and aesthetic integrity. Recycled aluminum serves as the exterior cladding for durability, while sustainably sourced timber adds warmth to interior spaces. Expansive glass panels maximize natural light and foster a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The structural framework comprises steel for strength and flexibility, complemented by concrete footings that minimize land disturbance.

Sustainability initiatives within the VLU include a vertical wind turbine for energy generation, a rainwater filtration system for household use, and solar panels designed to support self-sufficiency. These features not only reduce ecological impact but also highlight the importance of sustainable practices to residents and visitors alike.

### Circulation and Interaction

Access within the VLU is facilitated by an internal spiral staircase that promotes vertical movement and serves as a focal point of design. This circulation strategy enhances spatial efficiency while fostering an engaging relationship between the various levels of the unit. The overall design thus embodies a balance of functional living, social interaction, and environmental stewardship, positioning the VLU as a forward-thinking model for future residential developments.

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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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