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Louvered Screens Mimicking Keratin Scales in Modular Living Spaces

Author:
Houston Whillock
Louvered Screens Mimicking Keratin Scales in Modular Living Spaces
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Inspired by the protective qualities of pangolin scales, the design employs operable louvered screens to create adaptable living spaces that balance privacy and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the protective scales of pangolins for enhanced adaptability.
02
Operable louvered screens create dynamic interior and exterior transitions.
03
Layout prioritizes distinct activity zones to optimize usability.
04
Connects living spaces with the natural environment through light and air flow.
05
Emphasizes privacy and community interaction in an urban setting.

"The Pangolin - A Modular Living System" combines nature and design through a unique approach inspired by the characteristics of the pangolin. It is located in an urban area where flexible and functional living spaces are increasingly important. The concept centers around the use of movable elements that create an adaptable living environment, reflecting the protective and responsive nature of the pangolin.

Design Concept

The design highlights modularity and adaptability, featuring operable custom louvered screens that allow for various spatial configurations. These screens enable occupants to alter their surroundings based on personal preferences and daily needs. This flexibility maintains a balance between open and private spaces, addressing both social interaction and individual retreat.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout clearly defines areas for specific activities, including entering, sleeping, cleaning, living, childcare, cooking, and outdoor use. This arrangement maximizes the usability of space and promotes a natural flow for residents. It encourages both privacy and interaction, creating a comfortable environment that supports different lifestyles.

Biomimicry and Materiality

While specific materials are not extensively detailed, the design concept connects to the protective quality of keratin, similar to the scales of a pangolin. This link to nature suggests a focus on resilience and durability, which may influence future material choices to ensure lasting performance.

The operable screens play a crucial role in the overall design. They allow light to filter through while maintaining a sense of enclosure, keeping the living spaces connected to the outside. This approach fosters a relationship between the occupants and their environment, enhancing the quality of everyday life.

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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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