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Mild-Steel Framework with Cantilevered Living Spaces in Urban Setting

Authors:
Bl Manjunath, Abhijeet Manjunath, Balakrishna Pathi, Zeba Ali Khan
Mild-Steel Framework with Cantilevered Living Spaces in Urban Setting
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A cantilevered structure composed of mild steel enhances urban living by offering compact, functional spaces designed for adaptability and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
A cantilevered design allows for balanced structural integrity with minimal ground contact.
02
Mild-steel framework offers flexibility in adapting to various urban settings.
03
Interior spaces incorporate warm birch plywood to enhance comfort.
04
Rooftop design accommodates solar panels and gardens for sustainability.
05
Expands vertically with modular elements to support future growth.

The Symbiote presents a thoughtful response to the issues of crowded urban living. Located in a dense urban area, it serves as a compact living unit designed for contemporary lifestyles. The concept centers around the idea of modularity, where individual spaces can be integrated into existing structures. This approach aims to make the most of limited urban space, enhancing the experience for residents.

Structural Configuration
Organized on a 3m by 2m grid, the layout consists of two main components. One part is anchored to a support structure, while the other is cantilevered, balancing the design effectively. Inside, the space is divided into three functional bays, offering areas for living, working, and sleeping. This design ensures essential amenities are included in a compact configuration while maintaining accessibility and comfort.

Material Selection
The building utilizes a mild-steel framework, which supports the structure effectively. Perforated floors add texture and visual interest to the interior. The warmth of birch plywood enhances the living experience, creating a contrast with a neutral black oxide finish. On the roof, Kadapa stone is combined with polycarbonate cladding, providing a sturdy exterior while allowing natural light to enter, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere inside.

Adaptability and Expansion
Adaptability is a key feature of the Symbiote. It can be attached to existing walls, fit into available niches, or stand alone in various settings. This flexibility allows the unit to serve different needs and locations. The design also includes a vertical staircase that connects multiple levels, offering more living space if required. The roof area is designed for sustainable features, such as solar panels and gardening, highlighting a focus on environmental responsibility.

Privacy and Spatial Relationships
Privacy is carefully considered in the Symbiote's design. It strikes a balance, allowing for personal space while encouraging community interaction. The layout promotes a feeling of safety and individuality, similar to a bird's nest, while still connecting with the broader urban surroundings. The arrangement of rooms provides a fluid connection between spaces, making it easy for occupants to move while maintaining their personal boundaries.

The interior is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing residents to personalize their space and adapt it to their lifestyle.

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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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