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Suspended Structure Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Open Marketplace for Urban Living

Suspended Structure Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Open Marketplace for Urban Living
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Elevated above the bustling streets of Bangkok, a suspended structure crafted from reinforced concrete incorporates an open marketplace beneath residential units, merging community functions with urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended design utilizes the space beneath an elevated highway for both residential and commercial purposes.
02
Open marketplace on the lower level promotes local business and enhances community interaction.
03
Reinforced concrete construction allows durability while maintaining an airy atmosphere.
04
Flexible unit configurations cater to diverse resident needs and lifestyles.
05
Innovative ventilation strategies minimize energy use while maximizing comfort in living spaces.

**Overview**

The Suspension Shophouse, situated in the Khlong Toei District of Bangkok, Thailand, addresses the challenges presented by urban voids beneath elevated highways. This project integrates residential, commercial, and communal spaces, aiming to foster community interaction while meeting functional design objectives. By reimagining these underutilized areas, the design promotes economic activity and enhances the vibrancy of the neighborhood.

**Spatial Configuration and User Interaction**

The project employs a unique suspended structural system that elevates the living spaces above ground-level traffic, creating a dynamic environment below. The arrangement includes single residential units of approximately 12 square meters and duplex units of around 34 square meters, providing configuration flexibility to accommodate diverse community needs. Interstitial balconies promote social exchanges, while strategically placed common areas facilitate gatherings and events, thereby enhancing community cohesion.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

A careful selection of materials reinforces both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The primary framework utilizes reinforced concrete, ensuring durability, while metal mesh and railings provide necessary ventilation without compromising openness. The incorporation of colored glass and polycarbonate panels enhances light diffusion and vibrancy, alongside the warmth of wood elements in flooring and finishes. This thoughtful materiality not only supports the building's functionality but also aligns with sustainable practices, minimizing ecological impact and prioritizing the use of existing urban infrastructure.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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