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Pivoting Spaces with Millwork Elements and Rainwater Features in a Compact Microhome

Author:
Steve Pribyl
Pivoting Spaces with Millwork Elements and Rainwater Features in a Compact Microhome
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Using a unique pivoting floor system, the design incorporates millwork elements and rainwater collection features to create a multifunctional microhome that adapts to various living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible living areas transform between relaxation, dining, and sleeping functions.
02
A mechanical system elevates the bed from a concealed storage area.
03
Built-in millwork provides efficient furniture storage without sacrificing space.
04
Natural ventilation and rainwater collection contribute to sustainability.
05
Punctured planes create visual interest and separate interior volumes.

The microhome architectural design takes a thoughtful approach to compact living, prioritizing flexibility and efficient use of space. This design is meant for both urban and suburban settings, addressing the growing need for housing solutions that can adapt to varying lifestyles. By making the most of limited square footage, it changes traditional ideas about spaces for relaxation, dining, and sleeping, creating multifunctional areas that fit modern living.

Design Flexibility

The layout is designed to support one main function at a time. The living room includes a couch, chair, and TV monitor, and can easily change into a dining area. This transformation is facilitated by furniture that can be stowed away within built-in millwork. When the furniture is not in use, it creates an open space that can serve multiple purposes. The approach shows how thoughtful design can accommodate different activities within a compact area.

Innovative Sleeping Solutions

Sleeping options in this home stand out due to a clever mechanism that raises a queen-size bed from a small storage compartment. The bed is part of a system that allows the dining area to pivot away, optimizing the use of space. This smart design addresses the challenges of confined living while ensuring comfort for those who reside there.

Sustainable Design Elements

Sustainability is a key focus of the microhome, with features that include rainwater collection and natural ventilation. These elements not only reduce the home’s environmental impact but also encourage eco-friendly living. The layout makes the most of sunlight through well-placed openings, which lessen the need for artificial light. This consideration helps reduce energy use and creates a pleasant indoor atmosphere.

Spatial Connectivity

A significant feature is the connection between the interior and the exterior porch, allowing the living space to extend outdoors. This design encourages outdoor engagement and strengthens ties with the surrounding environment. The arrangement of interior volumes, separated by punctured planes, creates a varied spatial experience, bringing depth to the compact layout.

The arrangement of adaptable elements nurtures an environment where functionality and comfort coexist. Each area is designed with movement in mind, enabling easy transitions between spaces and activities.

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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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