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Kinetic Living Spaces With Steel Frame and Polycarbonate Panels

Authors:
Sung ryong Kim, Sungjin Paik, Jae wook Lee, Jae Rim Park
Kinetic Living Spaces With Steel Frame and Polycarbonate Panels

Project in-detail

Employing a kinetic design approach with a steel frame and polycarbonate panels, the modular living spaces adapt to user needs, offering a flexible and sustainable solution for urban residential life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kinetic forms allow for dynamic spatial configurations based on user needs.
02
Modules can be easily assembled and disassembled for flexible living arrangements.
03
A rail system enables movement of the vestibule and W.C.
04
for customized layouts.
05
Day and night functionality enhances user experience with variable light exposure.

The architectural design focuses on adaptability and modularity in urban residential settings. Located within a contemporary cityscape, it aims to redefine traditional living spaces by borrowing concepts from biological systems. The overall design concept emphasizes user interaction and responsiveness to environmental changes, creating a framework for dynamic spatial organization that can change based on evolving needs.

Principles of Evolved Modular Architecture

Five guiding principles shape the approach taken in the design: cells, metabolism, reaction to stimuli, life cycle, and expansion and rearrangement. These principles influence both the structure and function of the spaces. The idea of cells highlights the independence of modular units, while still promoting connections between them for a cohesive living environment. Metabolism serves as a metaphor for self-sustainability, with each dwelling designed to function with minimal reliance on standard infrastructure.

Kinetic Forms and User Adaptability

The inclusion of kinetic forms showcases the project’s ability to respond to environmental aspects and individual preferences. This adaptability is crucial in designing spaces that can shift and evolve over time. The concept of a life cycle supports the idea of assembly, disassembly, and reassembly, suggesting an alternative to conventional building practices that often lead to waste. Expansion and rearrangement allow units to adapt to personal requirements, promoting flexibility in living arrangements.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The layout of the modular units consists of four main areas: a living space with a vestibule, a dining area with a kitchen, and two bedrooms that each contain a bathroom. This arrangement optimizes utility while fostering opportunities for both social interaction and privacy. A rail system enables the vestibule and W.C. to be movable, giving users the ability to change the arrangement of their spaces as their needs evolve.

Material Selection and Aesthetic Considerations

Material choices support the goals of modularity and sustainability. A steel frame serves as the core structural element, while polycarbonate panels are used for partitions. These materials not only provide durability but also allow natural light to pass through, creating visual connections between spaces while ensuring privacy where needed. The selection enhances the living environment, making it both functional and inviting.

A noteworthy design detail is the thoughtful consideration of daily rhythms. Spaces are designed to transform from bright and open during the day to cozy and closed at night. This shift caters to the varying needs of residents and contributes to an engaging living experience that adapts to different moments throughout the day.

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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
competition now

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