Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Surfaces and Rotating Spaces in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Riccardo Nadotti
Reflective Surfaces and Rotating Spaces in Compact Urban Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A rotating central box with a mirror facade creates flexible living spaces in a compact urban environment, accommodating diverse functions while maximizing natural light and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rotating box design enhances spatial flexibility and user interaction.
02
Mirror facade creates reflections that alter perceptions of the living environment.
03
Automated water connection stations increase functionality and convenience.
04
Curtains stored within the box provide adjustable privacy options.
05
Solar panels integrated for energy efficiency and sustainable living.

"RULE IT" is a response to the challenges of living in smaller homes, a situation that has become more pronounced due to the recent global pandemic. It addresses both the limitations of space and the importance of flexibility in how people interact with their environments. In an urban setting where every square meter matters, the design creates options for residents to personalize their space while ensuring functionality.

Design and Functionality

At the center of the design is a box that can rotate on four sides of the house. This feature is controlled by a mobile app, which allows residents to change how they use the space. The rotation is supported by a wireless energy system hidden in the ceiling, working in a way similar to how smartphone chargers operate. This innovative solution allows for custom living arrangements while maintaining connections necessary for utilities such as water.

Spatial Arrangement and Privacy

The layout reduces the available space to 25 square meters, yet it cleverly organizes areas for different uses. Privacy is well thought out; a system of curtains that can be pulled from the box provides residents with the option to create distinct workspaces. This approach enables a balance between open common areas and private zones, catering to modern lifestyles that require flexibility.

Material Considerations

Materials chosen for the project focus on sustainability. Important components include solar panels that harness energy from the sun, polyethylene pipes responsible for water supply and grey water management, and ceramic filters that ensure clean water. The inclusion of an electric heating boiler and a recycling unit with a thermostatic mixer supports an efficient use of resources in everyday living.

The exterior features a mirror coating that expands perceptions of space. This reflective surface adapts to its surroundings, capturing changes in light and offering a lively interaction with nature throughout the day. Rather than simply occupying space, the design engages with it, pushing the boundaries of what compact living can offer.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy