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Weathered Steel Panels and Radiant Concrete Define Compact Family Living

Author:
Tad Jameyfield
Weathered Steel Panels and Radiant Concrete Define Compact Family Living
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Staggered weathered steel panels and radiant concrete flooring create a responsive living space that caters to the needs of a family while seamlessly integrating with the northern Wisconsin landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Staggered weathered steel panels enhance visual texture while promoting energy efficiency.
02
Three-wing layout optimizes both privacy and communal spaces for families.
03
Radiant concrete flooring provides warmth and comfort in cold climates.
04
Large glazed openings connect interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
05
Self-composting toilet promotes sustainable living practices.

Situated in rural northern Wisconsin, the design exemplifies a practical approach to tiny home living, created for a young couple and their two children. It combines functional design with sustainable technologies through a three-wing layout that facilitates privacy while promoting openness. This arrangement supports both family bonding and individual space, allowing occupants to enjoy life in a compact area.

Form and Layout

The approach is known as the "3 Pronged Approach to Little Living." By moving away from the common open rectilinear designs found in many tiny homes, the layout creates a more expansive experience despite the limited square footage. Each wing serves a specific purpose, allowing for clear areas designated for sleeping, cooking, and relaxation. This careful planning encourages interaction among family members while providing necessary personal space.

Materials and Structure

The structure uses a cold-formed steel framework, providing strength and efficiency. Radiant concrete flooring helps maintain warmth, which is important given the cold climate. Closed-cell insulation enhances energy efficiency throughout the home. Externally, the building features staggered weathered steel panels. These elements add visual interest and help the home blend with the surrounding forest.

Interior Configuration

Inside, large windows maximize natural light and create a connection with the outdoors. The sleeping loft includes two queen-sized beds divided by felt curtains, offering privacy when needed. Built-in oak storage bins take advantage of vertical space, effectively organizing belongings. The kitchen is designed for functionality, featuring modern appliances and practical storage options, keeping living areas tidy.

Outdoor Integration

Outdoor spaces enrich the living experience, promoting a strong connection to nature. Dedicated areas for dining, relaxation, and a bonfire enhance family time together. A spacious upper roof deck expands the available area for activities while providing a setting to enjoy the scenic views.

Sustainable practices are also a key aspect of the design. Features such as a self-composting toilet and large windows to capture sunlight reflect a commitment to eco-friendly living and well-being.

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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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