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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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