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Loft Expansion with Plywood and Outdoor Decking for Compact Living

Author:
Donald Macdonlad
Loft Expansion with Plywood and Outdoor Decking for Compact Living
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A loft expansion above a compact layout, enhanced by plywood materials and an outdoor deck, provides a flexible living solution that adapts to diverse family needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Loft expansion increases functional living space without adding footprint.
02
Outdoor deck seamlessly connects interior living areas with nature.
03
Plywood construction enhances sustainability while providing warmth.
04
Compact kitchen layout designed for efficiency with essential appliances.
05
Mirrored sliding doors optimize space while enhancing accessibility.

The Vertical Expanded Starter House is designed to address modern housing needs in both suburban and urban settings. It emphasizes flexibility and efficiency as key features, allowing residents to adapt the space as their lifestyles change. The design concept focuses on maximizing usable area while ensuring comfort and ease of use for families.

Layout and Functionality

The layout of the Vertical Expanded Starter House includes specific zones that cater to both privacy and socializing. It boasts expanded bedrooms and a spacious living room that encourages family interaction. The outdoor deck extends from one of the bedrooms, providing a seamless transition to the outside. This feature allows inhabitants to enjoy fresh air and sunlight without having to leave the comfort of their home.

Structural Design

Schematic Section A depicts the innovative use of space in the design. The loft area expands into a full upper floor, increasing the usable square footage. This vertical expansion provides ample room while enhancing natural light throughout the home. An open layout creates a sense of spaciousness, which is essential for a comfortable living environment.

Material Considerations

Material choices are crucial to the project's functionality and efficiency. The walls consist of 2 x 4 wood studs covered with plywood, offering strength and insulation. The roofing uses 2 x 10 joists with R-30 batt insulation, which help maintain a stable indoor climate. Interior walls are made of sheetrock, chosen for its durability, and the flooring features sheet vinyl with sponge backing for sound insulation.

Exterior Elements

The exterior design of the Vertical Expanded Starter House includes plywood siding that is finished with paint for both protection and visual appeal. A trellis above the main entrance adds a practical touch, allowing light to brighten the foyer while enhancing the overall look of the house. Such details create a clear identity for the home while meeting the residents' everyday needs.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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