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Bifold Shutters and Modular Living in Compact Urban Homes

Author:
Maru Kim
Bifold Shutters and Modular Living in Compact Urban Homes
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With bifold shutters enhancing flexibility and a modular kitchen maximizing efficiency, this urban microhome provides adaptive living solutions tailored for a diverse range of inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible bifold shutters enable adjustable light and privacy levels.
02
Modular kitchen unit optimizes space with essential appliances integrated.
03
Murphy bed design allows multifunctional use of living area.
04
Utilizes natural light through tilt/turn windows for energy efficiency.
05
Built-in storage cubbies maintain organization in compact environments.

The Urban Microhome design offers a practical solution to the changing needs of city living. Located in an urban setting, it aims to support diverse populations such as single individuals, students, and older adults. The project focuses on adaptability, allowing homes to serve as individual units or as part of larger residential structures. This flexible design aims to address the current housing crisis faced by many urban areas.

Design Flexibility

Adaptability is a key feature of the Urban Microhome. It can be configured in multiple ways, either as a self-contained microhome or combined with a two-bedroom unit. This flexibility makes it suitable for a range of living situations, ensuring that it can accommodate various family structures and lifestyles. As cities grow and demographics change, such responsive housing designs become increasingly important.

Functional Features

The design includes essential features that maximize the use of space. In the 1-Bed Configuration, tilt/turn windows invite natural light and air into the home, which can help create a comfortable atmosphere. Bifold shutters add another layer of functionality, giving residents control over privacy and light. These elements contribute to the overall efficiency of living in a compact space.

For the 2-Bed Configuration, a modular kitchen unit plays a central role. This kitchen includes key appliances such as a fridge, a recirculating hood fan, and a combined stove top with a counter and sink. This setup promotes effective use of space while ensuring that all necessary functions are within reach. The inclusion of a Murphy bed enhances versatility, allowing the living area to adapt easily for different activities throughout the day.

Social Relevance

This housing design acknowledges larger social challenges, such as the needs of families displaced by climate change or conflict. By offering efficient and adaptable living arrangements, the Urban Microhome provides a timely answer to pressing urban housing issues. It contributes positively to discussions about how to create livable spaces in dense cities where affordable housing options are often limited.

The design also incorporates thoughtful storage solutions, like built-in cubbies, ensuring that residents can keep their homes organized and functional. This attention to detail enhances the overall living experience in a space that is designed to be both compact and practical.

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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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