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Transformable Living Units with Flexible Rental Options

Authors:
Anurag Pandey, Ankur Sharma
Transformable Living Units with Flexible Rental Options
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The innovative folding mechanism allows for compact living units that adapt to daily use while providing flexible rental options for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transformable units feature a folding mechanism for enhanced space utilization.
02
Flexible rental model links costs directly to time spent in each unit.
03
Units designed to encourage outdoor living and community interaction.
04
Compact design options include bunk beds to maximize family accommodation.
05
Innovative layout fosters connections between neighboring units for social engagement.

Pocket Living focuses on tackling housing issues faced by people living in urban areas where space is limited and costs are high. Located within densely populated cities, the development offers modular living units designed to meet the needs of various residents, including singles, couples, and families. The design centers around maximizing space efficiency and providing functional flexibility while considering affordability.

Modular Design

The project features two main types of units: the Single and Couple Unit, which spans 6 square meters, and the Family Unit, which covers 9.1 square meters. The Single and Couple Unit includes a foldable bathroom situated beneath the bed, allowing for effective use of space while ensuring privacy for occupants. The Family Unit, in contrast, provides two bunk beds for children along with an additional restroom, making it suitable for family living.

Functional Features

A key element in the design is the folding mechanism that allows the top part of each unit to shift into a more compact form. This adjustment increases usable outdoor space for residents. Not only does this feature enhance security, as units can be locked when not in use, but it also fosters outdoor interaction. The straightforward hinge system, similar to those found on conventional doors, ensures that these transformations are easy and accessible for all users.

Flexible Rental Model

The rental model proposed in this design allows residents to pay based on how long they actually stay in their units. This approach directly targets the financial pressures often experienced by city dwellers, helping to ease the burden of housing costs without sacrificing basic living needs. By linking rent to actual usage, it offers a practical solution to modern urban living challenges.

Community Focus

The layout of the units encourages social interaction while maintaining personal space. By aligning the units strategically, the design creates connections between neighboring structures and shared outdoor areas. This thoughtful organization promotes a sense of community, making interactions between residents more likely. The overall arrangement supports a lively environment, contributing to the urban experience.

The design includes an automatic locking feature that engages when the unit is transformed, adding security while providing a practical solution to everyday living needs.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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