Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Living Spaces Constructed with Upvc and Steel for Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas

Authors:
Jason Chua, Von Vincent Gumboc, Schuyler De Belen Dela Torre, Brian Perandos
Elevated Living Spaces Constructed with Upvc and Steel for Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with a steel framework and elevated design to withstand flooding, the building serves as adaptable housing that meets the complex needs of urban residents in Metro Manila.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design strategy to prevent flooding while maintaining community accessibility.
02
Modular components allow for personalized living configurations tailored to user needs.
03
Integration of uPVC sheets enhances durability and minimizes maintenance in a challenging climate.
04
Rainwater management systems effectively channel runoff, promoting sustainability.
05
Steel framework provides structural resilience essential for urban environments prone to natural disasters.

The Lift House is an architectural project designed to address the pressing housing needs of Metro Manila, Philippines. With a growing urban population, the project prioritizes affordability, durability, and environmental responsiveness. The Lift House is engineered to elevate living spaces above potential flood levels, mitigating the risks associated with climate-related challenges while offering flexible design solutions for residents.

Innovative Structure and Modular Design

The Lift House employs a modular design comprised of interconnected cubes, allowing for a variety of living configurations. This modularity caters to diverse family structures and lifestyles, enabling residents to personalize their spaces. The architectural form features sloped roofs and angular geometries, which harmonize with both traditional and contemporary Filipino aesthetics. This approach not only ensures visual appeal but also promotes effective water management and energy efficiency.

Materials and Sustainability

A key feature of the Lift House is its selection of materials aimed at enhancing durability and sustainability. The use of lightweight uPVC sheets for the façade provides excellent weather resistance, while a steel framework ensures robust structural support. Functional elements such as channel roof gutters efficiently manage rainwater, and phenolic boards offer durability and waterproofing, essential for flood-prone areas. Flooring materials include ceramic tiles and concrete, chosen for their resilience and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, the integration of aluminum mesh for protective screens fosters ventilation while providing security.

Community-Centric Features

The Lift House emphasizes community interaction through its design. Open floor plans promote communal living and facilitate social engagement among residents. Modular and retractable components within the living space allow for adaptability based on changing needs, whether for private activities or communal gatherings. The architectural design incorporates solar panels, highlighting a commitment to renewable energy and reduced environmental impact.

The Lift House is a well-considered response to the housing challenges in urban environments, illustrating a thoughtful blend of innovative design and practical functionality. For further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that characterize this project, readers are encouraged to review the project's presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its architectural ideas and implementation.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy