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Elevated Living with Elegant Marble Surfaces Beneath the Mediterranean Sun

Authors:
Pol Casellas Manrubia, Lydia Llorens Bartolomé
Elevated Living with Elegant Marble Surfaces Beneath the Mediterranean Sun
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Elevated above the Mediterranean delta, this residence combines elegant marble surfaces with an open-plan layout, fostering a dynamic interaction with the surrounding environment while serving as a versatile living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure protects against flooding while offering panoramic views.
02
Large operable windows blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Marble accents highlight fixed elements and enhance durability.
04
Open-plan layout accommodates both living and working activities.
05
Designed as a passive house to maximize energy efficiency in the Mediterranean climate.

The Contemporary Stilt House is located on a delta of the Mediterranean Sea, where it rises above the local water levels. The design focuses on creating a space that connects residents with the surrounding environment while addressing potential environmental challenges. With two main levels, it offers an open plan that lends itself to flexibility and modern living.

Spatial Organization

The layout promotes an easy flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Large windows are a central feature, allowing light to fill the space while providing views of the landscape. This design encourages interaction with nature. The arrangement of different areas supports both living and working needs, making it adaptable for various lifestyles.

Material Use

Marble is a key material in the project, used to highlight certain fixed elements within the house. This choice adds an elegant touch while ensuring durability. The use of marble connects past and present, emphasizing a modern look that complements traditional architectural styles in the region.

Sustainability Considerations

The design employs passive principles to make the most of the Mediterranean climate. Soft temperatures and plenty of sunshine enhance the home's energy efficiency, allowing it to function as a passive house. By using materials with a zero carbon footprint, the design team demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Elevated Integration

Elevating the structure helps mitigate flooding risks and enhances views of the picturesque delta. This elevation creates a relationship between the home and its landscape, enriching the living experience. The balance between modern design and traditional influences showcases a thoughtful approach to place and identity in architecture.

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

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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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