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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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