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Reconfigurable Living Spaces Featuring Moving Walls and Sustainable Materials in Compact Urban Design

Authors:
Yeonjung Eom, Soo Hyung Heo, Hyosil Jang
Reconfigurable Living Spaces Featuring Moving Walls and Sustainable Materials in Compact Urban Design
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Moving walls enable flexible space configurations within a compact urban environment, utilizing a blend of concrete, glass, and wood to create adaptable residential units tailored for diverse living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moving walls allow for seamless reconfiguration of living spaces to accommodate various activities.
02
The integration of concrete, glass, and wood creates a durable yet inviting atmosphere.
03
The design prioritizes natural light through strategically placed glass elements.
04
Modular units promote efficient use of limited urban space without compromising comfort.
05
An ergonomic layout enhances user experience and functional accessibility throughout the residence.

### Project Overview
The Pocket Wall project is designed to address the challenge of limited residential space in densely populated urban environments, with a particular focus on Hong Kong. The project aims to optimize living conditions through innovative interior design solutions that enhance functionality and convenience. By considering the socio-cultural and spatial constraints faced by urban residents, the design seeks to redefine traditional residential layouts.

### Spatial Configuration
The Pocket Wall utilizes a "moving wall" system to maximize limited living spaces. This modular approach allows for dynamic reconfiguration of walls based on daily needs, facilitating both communal and private areas. The design fosters a flexible spatial arrangement that empowers residents to adapt their living environments for various activities throughout the day. This adaptability is documented through a daily timetable that illustrates transitions between private and communal use, prioritizing privacy and functionality in a constrained urban context.

### Materiality and Structural Solutions
The material selection underscores both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Concrete provides reliability, while glass elements enhance natural light and openness within compact interiors. Wood is incorporated in cabinetry and furnishings, adding warmth, and steel is employed in the rail system supporting the movable walls. This innovative structural approach not only facilitates horizontal space utilization but also assures that spatial efficiency harmonizes with visual quality and livability.

The design accommodates various demographic needs through a dual-type housing structure, offering both double and family units to mitigate overcrowding. Additionally, the emphasis on community engagement promotes social interaction while respecting individual privacy, reflecting the cultural context of Hong Kong and the balance between communal living and personal retreat.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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