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Balancing Levels and Privacy in Compact Living Spaces

Authors:
Ja Young Kim, Minju Seol, Seorin Choi, Juyeong Park
Balancing Levels and Privacy in Compact Living Spaces
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Level differences and sunken areas create a unique interplay of privacy and community in a compact living space designed to accommodate individual narratives within a shared environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique level differences enhance spatial separation while maintaining a sense of connection.
02
Sunken areas function as flexible zones for hobbies and relaxation.
03
High ceilings in the communal space promote openness and interaction.
04
Terraces are designed for shared activities, encouraging neighborhood engagement.
05
Private living areas support individual narratives within a compact footprint.

“WE HAVE OWN STORIES” is an innovative design that confronts the needs of modern living in urban settings. It aims to maximize limited space while balancing the requirements for both privacy and community. The concept revolves around a multi-level structure that allows for personal expression while encouraging social interaction among residents.

Spatial Organization

The building consists of three stories. The first and third floors are allocated as private living areas, providing residents with comfort and solitude. Meanwhile, the second floor is dedicated to communal living, which is designed to nurture social connections. This arrangement creates a dynamic relationship between individual comfort and shared experiences.

Functional Adaptability

Level differences are a central feature of the design. This technique effectively separates private spaces from communal areas while maintaining usability. Sunken areas and terraces contribute to the flexible nature of the home, allowing various activities such as work, hobbies, and relaxation. This thoughtful design approach enhances the effectiveness of living in a compact space without sacrificing personal needs.

Connection to Individual Narratives

The living area is characterized by high ceilings that create an open atmosphere, encouraging interaction among residents. This design promotes a sense of unity while still allowing each person to maintain their own story. By focusing on the interplay between private and communal spaces, the design reflects the diverse lifestyles of its inhabitants in a simple yet effective manner.

Attention to detail enhances the living experience. The integration of different levels and functional areas ensures that the home adapts to the changing needs of residents, cultivating a balance between personal privacy and community life.

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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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