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Suspended Homes with Burnished Bronze and Solid Oak Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Authors:
Matthew Milwid, Simon Dinh
Suspended Homes with Burnished Bronze and Solid Oak Beneath Urban Infrastructure
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Suspended from the Old Kent Flyover, these residences utilize acoustic ties and feature interiors of burnished bronze and solid oak, offering a unique solution for urban living that emphasizes sustainability and self-sufficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residences are suspended using acoustic ties from the Old Kent Flyover.
02
Each home is prefabricated off-site to streamline construction.
03
Piezoelectric pads convert traffic vibrations into electricity.
04
Runoff water is captured and purified for resident use.
05
Interiors feature a combination of burnished bronze, solid oak, and boticcino marble.

The Old Kent project, developed by Bricklayer & Co, aims to breathe new life into a previously neglected area of Central London by introducing ten unique residences situated beneath the Old Kent Flyover. The design emphasizes adaptability and sustainability, transforming an overlooked space into functional homes for urban living.

Off-Site Construction

The residences employ an off-site construction method that allows for efficient prefabrication and delivery to the site. This technique accelerates the building process and minimizes disruption to the surrounding community. By utilizing existing elements of the flyover, costs are reduced while maintaining a high standard of construction quality.

Suspension Design

A distinct aspect of the design is the suspension of the homes from the flyover using acoustic ties. This method keeps the residences separated from the surrounding environment, creating a quiet retreat in the busy city. The result is a peaceful space for residents, allowing for an escape from the sounds of London while still being part of the vibrant city life above.

Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability is a key focus throughout the project. Piezoelectric pads are installed in the road surface, capturing vibrations from traffic and generating electricity. Additionally, runoff water is collected and purified, providing a reliable source of water, electricity, and heating for the homes. This self-sufficient approach meets the modern demand for eco-friendly living and enhances the overall functionality of the residences.

Interior Material Choices

Inside, the homes feature carefully selected finishes such as burnished bronze, solid oak, and boticcino marble. These materials add warmth and an inviting feel to the interiors, creating a comfortable living environment. Natural light also plays a vital role, with strategically placed windows that brighten the spaces and connect residents to the outside world. This thoughtful design fosters a sense of home within an urban setting, making it relevant for today’s city dwellers.

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

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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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