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Expandable Units with Sliding Design for Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Tarek Radwan, Maroun Semaan
Expandable Units with Sliding Design for Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Sliding prefabricated external rooms create a flexible living environment that addresses diverse housing needs in an evolving urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sliding prefabricated rooms allow for easy customization of living spaces.
02
Structural grid supports modular units while maintaining accessibility.
03
Design integrates community shared spaces to promote social interaction.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed large windows.
05
Architecture reflects local cultural themes, enhancing regional identity.

The Expandable Housing project in Las Vegas is designed to address the urgent need for affordable and flexible housing options in a city known for its dynamic population. This initiative recognizes the challenges posed by high rental costs and diverse needs of residents, which range from families to single professionals. The overall approach focuses on creating adaptable living spaces that can adjust based on individual circumstances.

Design Concept

The design centers around the idea of modular living, allowing units to be customized according to the lifestyles of the occupants. By offering different apartment sizes within the same structure, the design helps to ease financial burdens associated with fixed housing solutions. This flexibility not only addresses current living demands but also considers future changes in residents' needs.

Modular Units

A key feature of the Expandable Housing design is the use of sliding prefabricated external rooms. These units can be added to the main structure from various angles and heights, giving occupants the option to expand their living spaces when necessary. This approach enhances functionality and promotes efficient circulation within the residential area.

Structural Integration

The project utilizes a strong structural grid to support the prefabricated units, ensuring stability while facilitating easy access. Automated systems play a role in enhancing the performance of these units, contributing to the overall effectiveness of space usage. The combination of technology and architecture demonstrates a commitment to meeting modern living demands.

Cultural Relevance

The architectural design reflects the cultural context of Las Vegas. Incorporating elements that resonate with the city’s vibrant character, such as themes found in local casinos and entertainment spaces, the project connects with potential residents on a deeper level. This relevance adds a meaningful layer to the living experience and highlights the importance of cultural identity in housing.

Large windows are strategically placed to invite natural light into the spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere where residents can feel comfortable. This attention to light and openness plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of daily life.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
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