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Movable Cabinet Structure Featuring Recycled Polycarbonate and Sustainable Hardwood for Urban Wellness

Author:
Weng I Kok
Movable Cabinet Structure Featuring Recycled Polycarbonate and Sustainable Hardwood for Urban Wellness
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A 360-degree movable cabinet constructed from recycled materials enhances spatial flexibility, creating a compact urban home gym that emphasizes wellness and multifunctionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
A 360-degree movable cabinet allows flexible use of space for various activities.
02
The design is inspired by the breathing movement of the lungs, representing health and wellness.
03
Recycled polycarbonate façade blocks up to 70% of solar radiation for energy efficiency.
04
Sustainable hardwood is used for floors and trims, enhancing environmental responsibility.
05
Distinct areas are designated for dining, working, and exercising within a compact footprint.

The Mobile Home Gym project addresses the growing need for personal fitness spaces in urban environments. Situated in a busy metropolitan area, this design changes how fitness is integrated into daily living. With an emphasis on versatility, it allows users to easily shift between activities such as dining, working, exercising, and practicing yoga, all within a compact space.

Design Concept

The core idea of this project is its flexibility and multifunctionality. The Mobile Home Gym is equipped with a unique feature: a 360-degree movable cabinet that rotates around a central point. This design enables users to rearrange the interior based on their current needs, optimizing the available space. Such adaptability is especially important for city dwellers who often deal with limited square footage.

Exterior Aesthetic

The exterior shape is inspired by the natural breathing movement of lungs, giving the structure a form that expands and contracts. This design symbolizes a connection to living rhythms and supports the emphasis on health and wellness. The flowing lines not only enhance the building's visual appeal, but they also promote a calming atmosphere in the midst of urban life.

Material Selection

Sustainability plays an important role in choosing materials for the Mobile Home Gym. The structure is built using recycled hardwood for the frame, floors, decks, and trims, providing durability while reducing environmental impact. Recycled plywood is utilized for the ceiling and walls, further enhancing energy efficiency. The façade is made from recycled polycarbonate, which effectively blocks up to 70% of solar radiation, allowing for comfortable interior temperatures while minimizing energy use.

Functional Layout

The design clearly defines different areas for various activities, including dining, sleeping, working, exercising, and yoga. This organized layout meets the diverse needs of daily life, enabling residents to participate in multiple functions without needing separate spaces. The approach reflects a modern lifestyle that values both convenience and well-being, making it easier for residents to stay active while managing their everyday responsibilities.

At the center of it all is the movable cabinet, a functional element that serves as a reminder of the commitment to adaptable living solutions. This detail enhances the overall experience, demonstrating how design can support daily wellness and functionality in an urban setting.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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