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Modular Rotating Walls Enhance Community Living in Urban Core

Author:
Jordan Bussiere
Modular Rotating Walls Enhance Community Living in Urban Core

Project in-detail

With modular rotating walls that blur the lines between private and communal spaces, the building redefines urban living by promoting flexibility and community interaction in a compact residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating wall system allows units to shift between private and communal configurations.
02
Slender internal core maximizes usable space in a narrow urban footprint.
03
Incorporation of double-height shared areas fosters community interaction.
04
Permeable facade enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the building.
05
Community amenities, including a garden, promote sustainable living practices.

Pivot is a mixed-use commercial residential apartment building located in downtown Vancouver. It is designed to make the best use of narrow and underused urban sites. The concept focuses on maximizing the efficiency of space while promoting connections between private and shared living areas. The design aims to create a livable environment that supports community interaction and a sense of belonging.

Structural Design

At the core of the building is a slender internal structure that houses residential units. This core is framed by an external support system, allowing for a permeable facade. The facade invites natural light and fresh air into the building, enhancing the quality of indoor spaces. This thoughtful approach connects residents with the outside world, addressing the needs of people living in dense urban settings.

Modular Living

An essential feature of Pivot is the modular rotating wall system, which softens the boundaries between private and communal spaces. Residents can adjust the compact units to extend into shared areas, enabling personalization of their living environment. This adaptability encourages social interaction and fosters a cooperative community within the building.

Functional Levels

The design includes several functional levels that improve usability. There is a roof cover, a community garden, and multiple residential floors designed to promote interaction. The layout of the residential levels allows for double-height shared spaces below, enhancing opportunities for residents to engage with one another. Additionally, commercial spaces and mechanical systems are integrated to support the building’s overall operations.

Architectural Detail

Careful consideration of circulation patterns ensures easy access to both private and communal areas. Views from shared spaces and elevated walkways enrich the living experience. The flexibility of the units demonstrates how current architecture can meet the demands of urban living. The design creates a balanced environment that allows for privacy while encouraging community connections.

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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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