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Flexible Living Spaces with Central Courtyard for Evolving Families

Authors:
Jacob Kackley, Mark Millhollon
Flexible Living Spaces with Central Courtyard for Evolving Families
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A central courtyard facilitates future growth while offering flexible living spaces designed to adapt to the changing needs of families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible layout allows for modular expansion based on occupant needs.
02
Central courtyard enhances lighting and ventilation while encouraging outdoor interaction.
03
Design categorizes spaces for different life stages of occupants.
04
Distinct separation between public and private areas supports varied living dynamics.
05
Innovative approach to small footprint living promotes sustainable lifestyle choices.

The Program House takes a unique approach to residential design, emphasizing flexibility and the needs of its occupants. Set within a modern urban context, the house offers an innovative solution to the challenges of single-family living. This design concept reimagines traditional layouts by allowing each functional space to act as its own element, creating a more dynamic and effective living environment within a limited area.

Spatial Organization

A key feature of the Program House is the distinction between public and private spaces. This thoughtful arrangement addresses the need for both social interaction and personal privacy. Common areas encourage gatherings and connections among residents, while private zones provide the necessary escape for relaxation and solitude. By clearly defining these two aspects, the design enhances the overall experience of daily living.

Central Courtyard

The central courtyard is an important part of the layout, providing a private outdoor space that connects various elements of the house. This feature not only adds to the visual appeal but also allows for future expansion. The courtyard creates opportunities for the house to grow as the occupants’ circumstances change, making it a flexible aspect of the design. It encourages movement and interaction, both within the home and outside in nature.

User-Centric Design

The Program House is designed to cater to different life stages. It recognizes three key demographic groups: ages 25-35, representing new home buyers; ages 35-55, focused on family growth; and ages 55-75+, for those requiring adapted living solutions. By addressing these different phases of life, the home adapts to the evolving needs of its residents. The thoughtful planning ensures that each stage of life can be supported within the same space.

The design of the Program House allows for growth and change. It offers a practical solution to the shifting dynamics of family life, making it a relevant and useful choice for modern living. The layout encourages both connection and independence, capturing the essence of contemporary housing needs while remaining adaptable over time. This combination promotes a lifestyle that can evolve with its inhabitants, providing a consistent home base while accommodating future changes.

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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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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
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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