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Mobile Panels and Natural Light in a Flexible Urban Living Space

Author:
Buza Oleg
Mobile Panels and Natural Light in a Flexible Urban Living Space
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Equipped with mobile panels that redefine spatial boundaries and maximize natural light, this flexible urban dwelling seamlessly adapts to various functions, making it an ideal living space for contemporary lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile panels allow for versatile use of living spaces.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategic window placement.
03
Wooden materials promote warmth and a welcoming atmosphere.
04
The layout facilitates seamless transitions between different activities.
05
Design emphasizes the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

The design focuses on creating adaptable living environments that prioritize flexibility and functionality. Set within an urban context, the project envisions a residential space capable of accommodating various activities, including work, study, rest, cooking, and social interaction. The main idea revolves around “the stage,” where the inhabitant can move freely between different areas that all serve multiple purposes, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern life.

Flexible Spaces

The design incorporates mobile panels to define spaces without the need for fixed walls. This creative approach allows for the concealment or exposure of various rooms, such as the bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, gym, and meditation space, based on the inhabitant's current activities. The layout promotes a continuous flow, fostering connection and interaction throughout the home while adapting to different uses at any time of day.

Materiality and Texture

Materials chosen for the design highlight both affordability and warmth. Wooden panels, aluminum sheets, and glass work together to create a balance of visual openness and structural strength. Wood adds an inviting touch, while aluminum and glass facilitate transparency and allow natural light to enter the space. This combination of materials helps create areas that feel open and welcoming, reinforcing the overall theme of adaptability.

Lighting and Atmosphere

Thoughtful attention has been given to lighting, which varies between day and night settings. The layout is designed to maximize natural light, making each space functional for work, relaxation, or social interactions. Effective integration of lighting elements contributes to the overall atmosphere, ensuring that each area is appropriate for its intended use, regardless of the time of day.

Inhabitant Engagement

The living experience is enriched by the way inhabitants interact with their surroundings. By dissolving the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, the design strengthens the connection to the environment, bringing nature into the home. This relationship encourages active engagement, allowing for a rich experience that accommodates both social and personal activities, ultimately leading to a space where comfort and functionality coexist.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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