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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
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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.

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

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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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