Updated Apartment Block From ‘60s Wins Prize

The renovated Bois le Pretre tower on the outskirts of Paris. Image via Lacaton & Vassal.

The Tour Bois-le-Prêtre proves that it is possible to create more efficient living spaces at less cost by improving existing structures rather than demolishing them. Read more →

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First Algae-Powered Apartments Open In Germany

The glass panels of the BIQ House contain bio-reactors powered by algal growth. Image via Arup.

The Bio Intelligent Quotient House in Hamburg included glass bio-reactors in its walls to produce algae for biogas fuel and to provide passive cooling via a series of louvered panels. Read more →

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Denmark Seed Silos Converted Into Apartments

Copenhagen's Gemini Residences is the latest example of adaptive reuse of industrial silos as apartments. Image via MVRDV.

Denmark's figure-8 Gemini Residences is a successful example of the adaptive reuse of former industrial storage silos. But not all silo conversions are created equal. Read more →

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Design For Boston Apartments Defies Parking Requirement

Sebastian Mariscal's design for a car-less apartment building. Image via Sebastian Mariscal Studios.

A Boston developer defies a city ordinance to require parking spaces in his proposed apartment complex by converting an equivalent amount of space into gardens and other green spaces. Read more →

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Two Daring Designs Compete For Belgian Apartment Block

Option 1: A large block of units in one U-shaped tower wrapped around a central courtyard providing dozens of balconies. Image via JDS Architects.

An urban plot in Ghent, Belgium, is the scene of two competing ideas for a green apartment block that emphasizes city views, green roofs and natural ventilation and daylight. Read more →

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Argentine Flats Bring Outdoor Perspective Inside

A closeup view of the wooden louvers on the apartment balconies. Image by Nigel Young via Faena Group.

The Aleph Residences in a former industrial section of Buenos Aires provide sweeping views, natural sunlight and cool breezes. blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Read more →

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‘My Micro NY’ Wins Tiny Prefab Apartment Contest

An artist's rendition of the cozy "micro-unit" apartments, measuring 250 to 370 square feet. Image via NYC Mayor's Office.

A winning model has been chosen for the adAPT NYC program, a six-month competition to design tiny apartments that can increase New York's density while still meeting code. Read more →

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A Highrise…Made of Eco Timber?

Forte, Melbourne, screenshot

Australia's first high-rise apartment building constructed entirely of Cross Laminated Timber is slated to begin construction, and will go for 5 Green Star. Read more →

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Green Retrofits For Apartments Face Hurdles

multifamily housing

A new report explores why apartment building owners have been slow to do green retrofits, and offers ideas for spurring action. Read more →

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LEED Green Apartments Come To Denver

Solera

The Solera apartment development in Denver boasts a host of green, energy-efficient features, including solar and home energy management devices in every unit. Read more →

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