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Exposed Concrete and Metal Mesh in a Compact L-Shaped Home

Authors:
Tiago Cramez, Miguel Gaspar Machado
Exposed Concrete and Metal Mesh in a Compact L-Shaped Home
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With its L-shaped form and the effective use of exposed concrete and metal mesh, the dwelling maximizes space while providing multifunctional living areas suited for urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
L-shaped configuration increases usable space and enhances natural light.
02
Multifunctional cabinets optimize storage and living areas without compromising comfort.
03
Two private outdoor spaces create a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship.
04
Exposed concrete provides structural integrity while ensuring a modern aesthetic.
05
Metal mesh allows for ample ventilation and light through wide openings.

The design presents a compact dwelling focused on meeting the needs of efficient and comfortable living. Located in an urban environment, the home combines reduced dimensions with a layout similar to that of a traditional house. The overall concept strives to blend luxury and practicality within a smaller space, catering to the demands of modern living.

L-Shaped Form

The design makes use of an L-shaped configuration that improves the use of space. This shape helps establish a clear connection between indoor and outdoor areas. With this layout, the home achieves a maximized usable area while also providing two private outdoor spaces. The entrance is centrally located, linking the living area to a secluded garden outside, fostering a natural flow between the interior and exterior.

Multifunctional Cabins

A key feature of the home is the inclusion of multifunctional cabinets. These elements enhance the flexibility of the living space. Each cabinet is designed to house essential amenities, allowing for smart use of the limited area. One cabinet includes kitchen functions, seating, and a dining area, while another provides sleeping arrangements and storage solutions. This configuration optimally organizes the living environment, offering comfort without excess.

Use of Materials

In the construction of the home, exposed concrete and metal mesh are employed. The exposed concrete plays a critical role in ensuring structural integrity while offering a simple aesthetic. Meanwhile, metal mesh adds a modern touch with large openings that welcome natural light and fresh air into the living areas. The combination of these materials creates a unified look and emphasizes the concept of home in an understated way.

Attention to these details illustrates a practical approach to compact living, reflecting an awareness of everyday needs. The layout, along with the thoughtful selection of features, results in a well-designed space that balances both functionality and comfort, ensuring a pleasant living experience.

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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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