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Movable Aluminum Panels Defining Flexible Community Living Spaces

Authors:
Bastian Wibranek, Lorena Navarrete
Movable Aluminum Panels Defining Flexible Community Living Spaces
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Movable aluminum panels create adaptable living environments that prioritize community interaction while offering flexible residential options in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable aluminum panels allow for customizable exterior configurations.
02
Rotated side towers create communal spaces that foster interaction.
03
Apartment units are strategically oriented for optimal natural light.
04
The design includes a rooftop that serves as a shared gathering space.
05
Five floors are aligned to true north, enhancing spatial organization.

The project "Visual Filters" is located in Toronto, focusing on residential use while emphasizing interaction and adaptability. The design integrates connections, rotations, and extrusions of rectangular forms to create a building with various apartment units. The aim is to enhance emotional engagement, social interaction, and overall living experiences for residents.

Design Concept

The central idea behind "Visual Filters" is its ability to adapt to its urban setting and cultural context. Movable aluminum panels play a significant role in this design, allowing residents to engage with their surroundings actively. These panels not only provide practical benefits, such as shelter from winter weather, but also improve the overall visual appearance of the building.

Spatial Arrangement

The building features a central tower with side towers that are rotated 180 degrees and angled towards the center. This arrangement defines the building's shape while encouraging community interaction. By removing certain apartment units in the side towers, the design creates shared spaces that help foster a sense of community while still offering privacy.

Interior Configuration

The geometry of the building is based on manipulating simple rectangular volumes, resulting in angled and rounded walls. This approach reduces sharp edges, contributing to a cohesive look. Each apartment unit is carefully oriented for optimal views and natural light, which improves the living experience. The layout consists of five floors aligned with true north, presenting various floor plans that support both one- and two-bedroom units.

Design Details

The main tower includes two identical floors, followed by two rotated floors and a final floor that mirrors the first. This design decision creates an interesting southern facade with balconies, while the northern facade offers a varied mix of residential and communal spaces. A sectional view of the building showcases different apartment configurations and includes prominent staircases that enhance internal movement, encouraging social interaction. The design emphasizes enjoyable living, providing a responsive residential environment within the urban landscape.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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