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Vertical Living with Steel Framework and Glass Facades in Accessible Urban Environment

Vertical Living with Steel Framework and Glass Facades in Accessible Urban Environment
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Combining a multi-level design with a drive-in approach, the structure utilizes steel and glass to create accessible urban housing that integrates community living with efficient transport solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Drive-in housing units facilitate direct vehicle access for residents.
02
Multi-level design maximizes vertical space usage in an urban setting.
03
Integration of solar panels enhances energy efficiency.
04
Public plazas within the development promote community interaction.
05
Use of transparent glass facades strengthens connections to the surroundings.

## Project Overview

Located in Marseille, France, the UpsideDown - Drive-In Housing project presents a strategic response to housing shortages in densely populated neighborhoods. This design integrates residential units into a multi-level structure that interfaces with existing transport infrastructure, aiming to optimize space utilization while prioritizing both functionality and sustainability.

## Spatial Strategy

The arrangement of housing units within a drive-in format emphasizes accessibility, allowing residents to engage easily with their environment. The design facilitates a tiered layout where residential spaces are situated above mixed-use areas, including commercial and recreational facilities. This vertical integration promotes community interaction, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere that blends living, working, and leisure.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials has been selected for their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Steel frames provide durability and support for expansive open areas, while glass façades maximize natural light and foster transparency. Concrete serves as a foundational element for robust parking structures, and composite materials enhance the longevity and weather resilience of the buildings. The design incorporates eco-friendly elements, focusing on recycled materials and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, to minimize environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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