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Reflective Surfaces and Rotating Spaces in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Riccardo Nadotti
Reflective Surfaces and Rotating Spaces in Compact Urban Living
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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.

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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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