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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
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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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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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