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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 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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