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Elevated Space with Modular Footprint

Author:
Balthazar Sarrat
Elevated Space with Modular Footprint
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Elevated above the ground plane, the modular structure utilizes a minimal footprint to enhance space efficiency while accommodating community functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design enhances environmental interaction.
02
Modular components allow for future adaptability.
03
Minimal footprint frees up surrounding land use.
04
Piling system provides structural stability and elevation.
05
Flexible layout accommodates various community functions.

The architectural design presents a thoughtful integration into its urban environment. With a focus on both presence and adaptability, the building employs a modular approach that allows for growth and transformation over time. This design intends to meet various user needs while making effective use of the limited space available in its context.

Conceptual Framework

Flexibility is at the heart of the design. The modular system enables the structure to change according to evolving requirements, ensuring it remains practical and relevant as time passes. This approach is important in modern architecture, as it considers shifts in use and environmental changes.

Spatial Efficiency

The design minimizes its footprint, an essential element in densely populated urban areas. Careful planning maximizes the available land, allowing for increased use by the surrounding community. By prioritizing spatial efficiency, the design demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices, addressing the growing demand for functional urban spaces.

Structural Integrity

A piling system provides stability for the building. This method elevates the structure and enhances its interaction with the landscape. This elevation not only supports the building but also encourages greater use of the space underneath and around it. The design creates a thoughtful connection between the physical form and its setting, providing both function and aesthetic considerations.

Attention to detail enriches the overall design. The balance of presence and adaptability ensures the building can evolve while remaining relevant for future users. Through careful consideration of its environment and needs, the project represents a well-rounded approach to contemporary architectural design.

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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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