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Flexible Living Through App-Integrated Rental Spaces in Modular Units

Authors:
Nourhanne Rabah, Valia Anagnostopoulou, Maria Jose Cashau, Alvaro Pedrayes Santos
Flexible Living Through App-Integrated Rental Spaces in Modular Units
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App-integrated rental spaces within modular units redefine flexible living by combining private and communal areas, allowing residents to adapt their environments to suit diverse lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
App-integrated features allow residents to customize living spaces on demand.
02
The design supports both communal and private living to enhance community interaction.
03
Units can be rented out when not in use, promoting resource sharing.
04
The 6x12 module structure enables rapid adaptability for diverse lifestyles.
05
The project draws inspiration from car-sharing models to redefine residential use.

The project at 401 Geneva Ave is located in San Francisco and focuses on the concept of communal living through its unique 6x12 module design. The building emphasizes both private and shared spaces, catering to the needs of modern urban residents. By highlighting adaptability, the design creates an environment that can accommodate various lifestyles.

Shared and Private Spaces

The layout effectively balances individual privacy with opportunities for community interaction. Each resident enjoys personal living areas while also having access to communal spaces. These shared areas are placed thoughtfully to encourage socializing among neighbors. This approach recognizes the importance of belonging in urban settings without compromising the need for personal retreat.

Integration of Technology

A key feature of the design is a technological application that allows residents to shape their living environments according to their preferences. This useful tool improves usability and engages residents in managing their spaces. It encourages them to actively participate in community life, which helps to build a real sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

Flexibility in Usage

Residents can rent out their spaces when they are not in use, which introduces a practical aspect to housing. This flexibility aligns with current trends toward shared living arrangements and sustainable practices. Inspired by car-sharing concepts, this approach redefines how residential spaces can be utilized, making them more versatile and economical.

Spatial Efficiency

Although specific materials are not mentioned, the modular design hints at a focus on function and efficiency. This kind of design supports quick assembly and encourages adaptability. It allows the spaces to change according to the community’s evolving needs, reflecting a practical response to urban life.

The design reflects a careful balance between private and communal areas, enhancing the functionality and livability of the environment. Each aspect contributes to creating a thoughtful living experience for residents that promotes both individuality and connection.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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