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Suspended Structure Featuring Galvanized Steel and Kingspan Panels for Sustainable Living

Suspended Structure Featuring Galvanized Steel and Kingspan Panels for Sustainable Living
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A leaf-shaped structure elevated on steel columns utilizes galvanized components and Kingspan panels to create a sustainable living environment that integrates energy efficiency with a seamless connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Leaf-inspired form enhances wind resistance and rainwater management.
02
Suspended structure elevates the living space, promoting natural drainage and airflow.
03
Incorporates vertical wind turbine for added renewable energy generation.
04
Built using Kingspan QuadCore panels for superior insulation and energy efficiency.
05
Generous balcony spaces seamlessly connect indoor living with outdoor environments.

## Project Overview

Located in a natural setting, the "Leaves for Live" project features a two-floor structure supported by steel columns, creating an impression of a building that is elevated above the ground. The design draws inspiration from leaf forms, integrating aesthetic elements with functional aspects to establish a strong connection to the surrounding environment. This eco-friendly initiative prioritizes ecological responsibility and contemporary architectural strategies to address environmental concerns.

### Spatial and Functional Strategy

The building’s layout promotes openness and interaction with nature through large windows and meticulously designed outdoor spaces, such as balconies that encourage residents to engage with their surroundings. The ground floor includes a living room designed to maximize natural light and a small balcony enhancing connectivity with the exterior. On the first floor, a bedroom features expansive windows that afford views and a further connection to the outside. Innovative storage solutions throughout the home demonstrate a commitment to functional design while preserving visual coherence.

### Material and Sustainability Integration

The project employs materials selected for their durability and sustainability. Galvanized steel forms the structural framework, ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion. Insulated Kingspan QuadCore panels are used in the walls and roof, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels on the roof captures solar energy to meet the building’s power needs, while a rainwater collection system facilitates resource conservation for irrigation and plumbing. These choices reflect a commitment to a low environmental footprint, integrating innovative technologies that enhance both sustainability and everyday living.

The design features a vertical wind turbine to further harness renewable energy sources and a spiral staircase that not only serves as a practical element for circulation but also enhances the aesthetic appeal within the interior. Overall, the project exemplifies a thoughtful blend of modern architectural principles with a commitment to environmental stewardship and user-centered design.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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