Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bifold Shutters and Modular Living in Compact Urban Homes

Author:
Maru Kim
Bifold Shutters and Modular Living in Compact Urban Homes
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy