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Hepa-Filtered Spaces with Flexible Operable Panels for Evolving Work Environments

Authors:
Kahtzun Koh, Cheehuey Tan
Hepa-Filtered Spaces with Flexible Operable Panels for Evolving Work Environments
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Equipped with a HEPA-filtered underfloor air conditioning system and adaptable operable panels, the design creates a flexible co-working space that prioritizes health and encourages collaboration in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
HEPA-filtered underfloor air conditioning improves air quality.
02
Operable panels allow dynamic workspace reconfiguration.
03
Central informal meeting spaces promote spontaneous collaboration.
04
Shapeshifting furniture enhances flexibility in office layout.
05
Natural ventilation systems reduce dependence on mechanical cooling.

The modern office tower is situated in a growing urban area and serves to enhance workplace functionality. Focused on employee well-being, sustainability, and the incorporation of new technology, the design aims to create a public co-working space. This space not only boosts productivity but also fosters social interactions among those who work within it. By rethinking how offices can adapt to evolving work dynamics, the design addresses the needs of today’s workforce.

Innovative Layout

The layout of the building optimizes flexibility through the use of operable panels. These panels allow for different workspace configurations that can accommodate various work styles. This adaptability makes the environment suitable for both collaborative projects and individual tasks. The central area is dedicated to informal meeting spaces, with the building's core positioned along the west-facing wall. This arrangement promotes unplanned interactions, which are key to fostering teamwork and creativity.

Sustainable Air Quality Solutions

A prominent feature of the design is the underfloor air conditioning system, which includes high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) technology. This system effectively filters out 99.97% of particles smaller than aerosols, leading to better indoor air quality. As concerns about health in the workplace have grown, this focus on air quality ensures that the environment supports the well-being of its users.

Adaptable Furnishings and Natural Ventilation

The design incorporates shapeshifting furniture that can be rearranged easily, allowing for quick changes to the office layout. This flexibility is particularly beneficial when team dynamics or project needs shift. Alongside this, operable facade systems promote natural ventilation, contributing to a more sustainable building.

The shared library area encourages casual interactions among users. It is a place where colleagues can engage, collaborate, and share ideas. This aspect of the design highlights an understanding of modern workplace trends, creating a functional and pleasant environment that supports both collaborative and individual work efforts.

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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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