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Flexible Living Units with Concrete Walls and Wooden Grids

Author:
Qing Xie
Flexible Living Units with Concrete Walls and Wooden Grids
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Incorporating wooden grids and robust concrete walls, the design provides flexible living units that adapt to diverse needs while fostering community connection in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible unit designs allow for multifunctional use of spaces.
02
Community areas are strategically integrated to enhance resident interaction.
03
Wooden grids within the structure promote adaptability in interior layouts.
04
Concrete walls provide both durability and acoustic insulation.
05
The project prioritizes sustainability while maintaining affordability for residents.

The project aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in London focuses on creating thoughtful residential solutions that emphasize adaptability and the importance of community. Set within an urban context, it aspires to provide flexible living spaces for a diverse population. The design seeks to meet the evolving needs of residents while fostering connections among neighbors, leading to a more engaged community.

Design Concept

The design introduces a new type of housing that moves away from traditional terraced models. It features residential units that can easily change to accommodate different family sizes and lifestyles. By allowing spaces to serve multiple purposes, the plan makes sure each area can be used as needed. The layout fosters a balance between private and communal living, promoting a sense of belonging and interaction among residents.

Materiality

The project uses specific materials to enhance both strength and practicality. Wooden sticks are integrated into grid systems within the interior, allowing for flexible arrangements. Steel adds reinforcement to the trusses, ensuring stability in various configurations. Concrete walls form the backbone of the residential units, offering durability and support for the adaptable spaces created within.

Community Integration

A key focus of the design is the connection between individual apartments and the surrounding urban environment. The architecture encourages interaction between private homes and public areas, highlighting the importance of community engagement. This approach aims to reduce feelings of isolation that can occur in larger cities, creating a lively atmosphere where residents feel connected to one another.

At the heart of the design is a careful arrangement of spaces that invites residents to enjoy shared areas, encouraging the use of outdoor environments. This attention to detail enhances everyday life and reinforces the sense of community within the setting.

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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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