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A Rotating Community Housing Prototype for Dense Cities

Authors:
Seunghyeon Lee, Tan Wang
A Rotating Community Housing Prototype for Dense Cities
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Stacked wooden cells rotate around a central staircase, creating flexible living spaces enhanced by a rooftop green park that fosters community interaction in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each residential unit comprises eight square meters, allowing for efficient urban living.
02
Floors rotate along a central staircase, creating flexible outdoor terraces.
03
The rooftop features a Green Park designed for social activities and relaxation.
04
Wooden cells are stacked in a modular layout to maximize floor area ratio.
05
The design incorporates ramps for accessibility, promoting an active lifestyle.

R.O.C. Ville is a residential development located in Pildong-ro, Seoul, proposed to meet the needs of urban living. It features a multi-story layout that prioritizes modular units, known as 'Cells,' which can be stacked and rotated for better functionality. The aim is to create a living environment that maximizes space and encourages community engagement among residents.

Design Concept

The concept revolves around flexibility and sustainability. Each living unit covers 8 square meters, making efficient use of vertical space. The design challenges conventional ideas around home size and functionality by allowing for greater density without compromising comfort. This approach helps the building relate better to its surroundings while addressing the housing demand in the area.

Community Spaces

At the center of R.O.C. Ville are communal areas designed for social interaction. The rooftop Green Park offers space for various activities such as barbeques and outdoor sports. This area serves as a gathering place for residents, helping to foster friendships and a sense of community, providing an oasis in the busy city.

Circulation and Accessibility

Movement throughout R.O.C. Ville is planned to encourage activity and accessibility. Ramps link different levels of the building, allowing residents to navigate with ease. This design choice makes the environment friendly for everyone, promoting walking and even jogging within the complex.

Innovative Features

A key highlight of the building is the rotating floors, which revolve around a central staircase. This feature creates terraces that enhance the outdoor spaces available to residents while providing expansive views, including sights of Namsan Tower. The rotation adds another layer of utility, making the outdoor areas more inviting and functional.

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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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