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Telescopic Wall Panels and Natural Light Create Adaptive Living Spaces Using Wooden Modular Systems

Author:
Pedro Pablo González Seguel
Telescopic Wall Panels and Natural Light Create Adaptive Living Spaces Using Wooden Modular Systems

Project in-detail

Utilizing telescopic wall panels and a wooden modular system, the design adapts to varying needs while maximizing natural light, creating versatile living and working environments in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Telescopic wall panels allow for dynamic reconfiguration of interior spaces.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and fire resistance.
03
Natural light is optimized through a central atrium design.
04
Wooden modular systems promote rapid construction and flexibility.
05
Community-centric facilities are strategically located at the building's core.

### Overview
Located at 350 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown, New York City, the Breathing Building exemplifies a sustainable and modular approach to urban habitation. The design prioritizes the reinhabitation of existing structures, addressing environmental and spatial challenges inherent in dense urban contexts. The project aims to provide flexible living and working spaces that adapt to evolving needs, fostering community interaction in an urban setting.

### Modular Configuration and Community Interaction
The design incorporates a modular system, allowing for a variety of residential and commercial layouts. The ground floor serves commercial purposes, enhancing accessibility and community engagement, while the upper floors feature adaptable residential units equipped with modular partitions. This approach not only facilitates personal customization but also promotes social connectivity. Central to the design is an active core that provides shared facilities, encouraging interaction among occupants through interconnected spaces.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The Breathing Building utilizes sustainable materials such as wood, glass, and steel, which contribute to structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact. Wood serves as the primary building material, imparting warmth and ecological benefits, while extensive glazing enhances natural light penetration. The inclusion of telescopic wall panels further supports adaptability within the internal spaces. The design emphasizes energy efficiency by optimizing insulation and ventilation, thereby reducing dependency on artificial temperature control systems.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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