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Rotating Walls and Cellular Deck Create Flexible Spaces for Artisans

Authors:
Yiying Tang, Yue Lu, Shijia Liu
Rotating Walls and Cellular Deck Create Flexible Spaces for Artisans

Project in-detail

With rotating walls and a cellular deck, the design creates adaptable environments for artisans, merging work and living spaces in a functional urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating functional walls allow for quick reconfiguration of spaces.
02
Cellular roof deck enhances natural light and thermal performance.
03
Wood elements, including a flipping table, introduce warmth to interiors.
04
Dedicated display walls support the retail needs of artisans.
05
A wood deck courtyard fosters interaction between indoor and outdoor environments.

FLIPBLOCK provides versatile live-work spaces designed for handicraft producers in an urban setting. The project addresses the growing need for flexible environments that support both traditional craftsmanship and modern business demands. With a focus on adaptability, the design aims to preserve the relevance of artisanal trades, such as tailoring, in today’s economy.

Design Concept

At the center of FLIPBLOCK's design is the idea of adaptability, achieved through rotating functional walls. These walls allow for easy changes between public and private areas. Users can reconfigure their spaces based on immediate needs, whether for retail or living. This flexibility is significant for handicraft producers, offering a practical solution that meets their varied requirements.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of FLIPBLOCK includes different unit types that cater to distinct functions, combining workspace and living areas. Each space can be adjusted, allowing for efficient use that reflects the activities taking place inside. This not only improves the workflow for small business owners but also fosters a balance between work and personal life.

Materials and Construction

The choice of materials is key to the project’s performance and appearance. The structure employs a cellular roof deck, which adds visual interest and functionality. A painted steel structure frame provides strength and stability to the building. Low iron U-shape glass enhances natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Aluminum awning windows help with ventilation, which is crucial for areas where people work. The use of wood elements, such as wood frame swing doors and a wood flipping table, adds warmth and texture to the interiors.

Design Features

FLIPBLOCK also incorporates unique design elements like rotated display walls and shelves, which allow for flexible product showcasing. These features cater specifically to the needs of retail and artisan spaces. A wood deck courtyard creates a connection to the outdoors, encouraging interaction with the surrounding environment. The overall design emphasizes adaptability and usability, reflecting the needs of modern artisanal practices.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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