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Puzzle Shaped Glass Wall Enhances Compact Living with Integrated Tree

Authors:
Media Abdileildaghi, Guenyoung Jung
Puzzle Shaped Glass Wall Enhances Compact Living with Integrated Tree
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A puzzle-shaped glass wall seamlessly moves to create flexible spaces around a central tree, enabling a compact living environment designed for two occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable furniture allows for efficient use of space.
02
A central tree enhances air quality and provides natural aesthetics.
03
The glass ceiling offers ample natural light in the elevated area.
04
A spiral staircase wraps around the tree for vertical circulation.
05
The moving glass wall creates adaptable room configurations.

Hidden Rooms is designed to provide a living space for two occupants, focusing on adaptability and efficient use of space. Located in a compact urban setting, the design allows users to modify their surroundings for different activities such as resting, working, and enjoying leisure time. The concept emphasizes reconfigurability, which is essential for urban living.

Innovative Furniture Solutions

The design incorporates retractable furniture, specifically a bed and desk that can rise from the ground. This thoughtful approach addresses the varying needs of the occupants while keeping the living area uncluttered when these pieces are not in use. The retraction of furniture helps create a minimalist feel and maximizes the available space, an important consideration in small living environments.

Natural Elements

A key feature of the space is the presence of a tree. This element serves more than just an aesthetic purpose; it also helps improve air quality and enriches the indoor environment. The tree establishes a connection to the outdoors, promoting a sense of well-being and calmness in the confined urban context. Its inclusion adds character to the design and enhances the overall atmosphere inside.

Spatial Flexibility

Access to an elevated area is provided by a spiral staircase that wraps around the tree. This area is dedicated to activities that promote mindfulness, such as yoga or meditation. The elevated space benefits from light filtering through a glass ceiling, which creates an open feel and enhances the experience for users.

The "Puzzle Shaped Moving Glass Wall" is another notable feature, allowing for flexible use of the space. This wall can be repositioned, enabling various configurations depending on the occupants' needs throughout the day. The design encourages interaction and adaptability, catering to both solitary moments and social gatherings.

Overall, Hidden Rooms emphasizes functionality and the integration of natural light. Even within a limited footprint, each design element has been carefully chosen to ensure a practical and enriching living experience. The result is a modern take on urban living that meets the demands of contemporary life.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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