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Wooden Loft Living with Integrated Urban Gardens

Authors:
Matthias Karch, Carolin Hoefler
Wooden Loft Living with Integrated Urban Gardens
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Constructed with wooden modules and incorporating urban gardens, the Gasometer transformation blends affordable loft living with communal spaces that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Loft Type D includes coworking spaces and artist studios to support creative community engagement.
02
All residential modules are constructed from wood, adhering to sustainable building practices.
03
The design incorporates urban gardening terraces to enhance green spaces in the urban environment.
04
Open-air cinema and performance areas provide cultural enrichment for residents and visitors.
05
The project promotes multifunctional spaces that facilitate social interaction and a sense of community.

The Gasometer in Berlin Schöneberg serves as a unique site for an innovative approach to affordable housing and community spaces. The design incorporates two towers: Tower 01 focuses on informal common infrastructure, while Tower 02 is primarily dedicated to residential living. The concept aims to enhance social interaction and community involvement, all while respecting the historical essence of the site.

Residential Offerings

The design includes various loft types to meet the needs of different residents. Loft Type A offers 130 square meters of living space, while Type B provides 103 square meters with access to shared amenities. Type C features a winter garden within its 78 square meters, and Type D is designed for coworking spaces across 450 square meters, allowing for a range of community functions. This thoughtful arrangement reflects an understanding of urban living dynamics and accommodates both individual and communal experiences.

Public Spaces

Key to the design is the creation of public areas that encourage residents to connect and engage with one another. These spaces include children’s playgrounds, an open-air theater, and informal gathering spots that can become lively dance floors at night. Such areas promote social interaction and a vibrant atmosphere. The inclusion of urban gardening terraces and pocket parks also supports environmental well-being, offering greenery in an urban context and enhancing the quality of life for those in the community.

Sustainability and Materials

Wood is the chosen material for all housing modules, in line with sustainable building practices. This choice contributes to the strength of the structures and fosters a warm aesthetic that blends with the urban environment. The design minimizes the ecological footprint by clustering the towers, tackling issues of space and affordability while providing necessary public areas, all while keeping the historical character of the Gasometer intact.

Noteworthy Design Features

Careful attention is paid to the details that enrich day-to-day life for residents. Features such as open-air cinemas and informal meeting spaces are built into the layout, enhancing community engagement and a sense of belonging. By integrating modern functions into the existing structure of the Gasometer, the design balances contemporary needs with a respect for the past. The result is a thoughtful approach to urban living that invites both functionality and community connection.

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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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