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Transformable Living Units with Flexible Rental Options

Authors:
Anurag Pandey, Ankur Sharma
Transformable Living Units with Flexible Rental Options

Project in-detail

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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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
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