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Adaptable Living Spaces with Sliding Walls and Natural Light

Author:
Zuzanna Balicka
Adaptable Living Spaces with Sliding Walls and Natural Light
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Sliding walls create flexible living spaces within a microhome that maximizes natural light and privacy, designed for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sliding walls allow for multiple configurations within the living space.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed windows on the second level.
03
A sloping roof design enhances light reflection and creates an open atmosphere.
04
The layout includes separate terraces to promote outdoor interaction without sacrificing privacy.
05
Compact design focuses on both community living and individual comfort.

The "Between Us" microhome design responds to the current needs of modern living. It addresses the challenges of limited personal and communal space that many are facing today. Located in a context shaped by recent global events, the microhome rethinks domestic environments. The concept revolves around creating adaptable spaces where residents can shape their living conditions, balancing privacy with social connection.

Flexible Living Spaces

The design emphasizes flexibility within a compact structure, allowing residents to customize their experience. Key to this adaptability are the sliding walls that are integrated into the layout. These walls support a quick transformation of spaces, enabling both shared and private arrangements depending on personal needs. This feature makes the microhome versatile for various living situations.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes an open living area that connects with the kitchen and laundry functions. This setup maximizes usable space in a small footprint. The separate bedroom offers privacy and direct access to the bathroom. This configuration promotes a balance between shared areas for socializing and secluded spaces for quiet, reflecting current preferences for both interaction and solitude.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Light plays an important role in the design. Windows are positioned on the second level to provide privacy while allowing ample daylight to enter. The sloping roof enhances light entry, allowing it to reflect off the ceiling and create a warm indoor environment. Such careful attention to light enhances the overall ambience of the home, making it feel open and welcoming.

Aesthetics and User Experience

The design reflects a clear approach that centers on the experience of residents. Every element aims to promote community while still offering independence. The interaction of light and space encourages personal connections among residents. Sliding walls and strategic windows create an inviting environment, emphasizing how this microhome serves both as a personal retreat and a space for interaction.

The arrangement and thoughtful details ensure that the microhome meets the demands of contemporary living, blending practicality with comfort.

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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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