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Dynamic Living Units Supported by Steel Within an Urban Green Space

Author:
Lukas Kienreich
Dynamic Living Units Supported by Steel Within an Urban Green Space
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Supported by a framework of steel swords, the design integrates five dynamic residential units within a green urban environment, creating adaptable living spaces that promote sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five residential units can be dynamically arranged and rotated to create open community spaces.
02
The structure’s framework is composed of steel swords, lowering wall thickness and maximizing interior area.
03
Modular facade elements can be adapted as windows or solid panels based on placement needs.
04
Vertical access is facilitated by an external staircase, promoting connectivity and outdoor engagement.
05
Integrated roof gardens enhance sustainability while contributing to the urban green landscape.

The Tiny Parasite project addresses the increasing demand for green spaces in urban areas. Positioned within the complexities of modern city living, the modular structure is designed for flexibility and adaptability. Influenced by the ideas of architect Frederick Kiesler, the concept offers solutions that enhance urban life while promoting a sense of community among residents.

Architecture Concept
The design focuses on creating a space that can expand and adapt to its environment. By avoiding a rigid structure, the Tiny Parasite can fit into a variety of urban settings. This flexibility allows it to maximize space while maintaining green areas, which are essential in crowded cities. The tiny house is capable of functioning on its own while integrating with the surrounding buildings and landscapes.

Design and Structure
The building features a high ceiling and floor structure supported by steel or wood swords arranged in a grid pattern. This framework holds all necessary systems, including water and electricity connections, while also minimizing wall thickness. These elements are crucial for maximizing usable living space, providing a comfortable and efficient environment for inhabitants.

Facade and Modularity
The facade elements have uniform dimensions but can change based on their placement. They may serve as windows, glass panels, or solid walls, adding variety to the building's appearance. This modular design not only contributes to visual interest but also strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings.

Vertical Connectivity and Green Spaces
An external staircase links different levels of the Tiny Parasite, offering access to potential roof gardens. This feature supports the inclusion of green spaces within the urban landscape, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability. The arrangement of five residential units that rise and rotate adds open spaces, fostering improved air circulation and encouraging social interaction among residents.

The design culminates in an upper level with transparent structural elements, connecting individual units and enhancing the overall functionality of the building. This thoughtful arrangement creates a cohesive outdoor experience while promoting a livable urban environment.

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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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