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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 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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