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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
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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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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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