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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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