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Wooden Roofs and Green Spaces in a Community-Focused Urban Development

Authors:
Brandon Meinders, Maria Garcia Reyna, Natalie Fox
Wooden Roofs and Green Spaces in a Community-Focused Urban Development
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Constructed with wooden roofs and enhanced by green spaces, the development prioritizes communal living through shared areas and a central boulevard, creating an integrated residential and commercial environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community spaces designed to encourage social interactions among residents.
02
Central boulevard integrates residential and commercial functions seamlessly.
03
Wooden roofs enhance sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Clusters of units promote a sense of belonging and collaboration.
05
Green roofs contribute to environmental quality and energy efficiency.

“Bridge the Divide” offers a fresh perspective on community living within an urban landscape. The design focuses on creating a sense of belonging for residents through a layout that encourages social connections. By arranging residential units around shared spaces, the project aims to facilitate interactions while also providing comfortable private areas. The incorporation of communal amenities highlights a response to the needs of modern living, allowing residents to engage with their neighbors and their surroundings more effectively.

Shared Spaces and Interaction

A key feature of the design is the emphasis on shared spaces. Clusters of residential units surround communal areas, such as kitchens and dining rooms, designed to promote social engagement. By encouraging casual interactions among residents, the layout fosters a community atmosphere where individuals can share experiences and build relationships. These shared areas act as focal points in the overall design, creating opportunities for residents to connect.

Central Boulevard

The project’s centerpiece is the "Boulevard," a central pathway that serves as the main circulation route. This space connects various parts of the development and encourages pedestrian movement between residential and commercial areas. The boulevard provides a sense of openness and accessibility, contributing to a welcoming environment. It is designed not just for utility but to enhance the social dynamics of the community.

Commercial Integration

Below the residential levels, commercial spaces are intentionally placed along the boulevard. This arrangement allows for a mix of residential and commercial activities, making daily needs more accessible for residents. By integrating shops and services within close reach, the design promotes convenience. This blend of spaces creates a lively atmosphere and supports the idea of a multifunctional community where living and commerce coexist harmoniously.

Design Details and Materiality

The design reflects careful thought in both functionality and aesthetics. It includes features such as wooden roof structures and green roofs, which focus on sustainability and enhance the visual appeal of the buildings. Structural beams provide stability for the arrangement of units, ensuring safety and durability. Key areas like lounges, playrooms, and storage solutions are designed with practicality in mind.

Balconies play an important role, providing outdoor spaces that allow residents to enjoy views of the boulevard. These areas promote a more active lifestyle and encourage interaction in the community, making the environment feel open and inviting to all.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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