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Movable Shells Creating Flexible Living Spaces with Collapsible Walls

Authors:
Mohd Iqbal Hashim, Muhammad Ismail Rahim, Muhammad Nur Adam Yuraselan
Movable Shells Creating Flexible Living Spaces with Collapsible Walls
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Collapsible walls and movable shells define a compact living space that adapts to the dynamic needs of urban professionals, seamlessly merging work and leisure functions within a single footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Collapsible walls allow for quick reconfiguration of interior spaces.
02
Movable shells enhance adaptability for various living functions.
03
Fixed bath-bedroom section ensures privacy and utility.
04
Interchangeable living-play-work zones promote seamless transitions.
05
Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting systems.

House With Collapsible Rooms responds to the modern needs of young professionals facing the challenges of everyday life. Located in an urban setting, it focuses on creating living spaces that blend work and personal areas. The design centers on flexibility, allowing a single room to adapt to different functions as the day unfolds. This approach speaks to the evolving demands of contemporary living where multifunctional spaces are increasingly important.

Design Concept

At the heart of House With Collapsible Rooms is the idea of combining work and home within a single environment. It features a movable shell that changes how the space is arranged based on user needs. This design embodies the growing trend for adaptable living solutions, recognizing that people require varied spaces throughout the day for different activities.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes three main sections that serve distinct purposes. The bath-bedroom section is fixed, providing privacy and necessary facilities. In contrast, the kitchen-dining lounge and living-play-work sections are interchangeable. This setup allows residents to easily switch between activities without losing the overall functionality of the area. It encourages fluid transitions throughout the day, accommodating both work and leisure.

Sustainability Features

Although specific materials are not noted, the design incorporates sustainable practices that are important for today’s living environments. Features such as rainwater harvesting and energy efficiency show a commitment to reducing environmental impact. These elements align the project with current trends that prioritize sustainability in urban architecture.

Operational Efficiency

House With Collapsible Rooms goes beyond simple room division by rethinking how spaces function. It emphasizes efficiency by making areas active only when needed, ensuring optimal use of space. This innovative method addresses the challenge of maintaining a balance between work and personal life, enhancing the overall user experience.

Movable elements play a critical role in shaping the living environment. They empower users to engage with their surroundings, transforming spaces as needed. This design aspect highlights the project's aim of creating a practical, flexible home that adapts to various daily demands.

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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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