In the early 20th century, English mathematician and creator of puzzles Henry Dudeney figured out how to transform a square into an equilateral triangle. Known as the “Haberdashers Puzzle”, the individual pieces are hinged to form a chain that turned into either the triangle or the original square. This revolutionary breakthrough has recently inspired the design of a domestic structure that suits all seasons and temperatures.

Many properties have been designed to keep heat in during cold climates and allow air to sweep through during hot periods. The creation of the D’dynamic house has enabled the two to meet as it can shapeshift into eight different configurations and automatically adapt to the changing seasons.

The layout consists of an open plan living room, kitchen and two bedrooms with bedroom one facing east during summer and tracking the sunrise using a series of sensors. When the residents awake the house rotates to ensure they are bathed in sunlight at all times. In the wintertime the house is a square formation with high thermal mass and small windows which the architects behind the project Daniel Woolfson and David Grunberg have described as the house “literally hugging itself”. The change of seasons and the warmer climates of spring and summer allow the house to open up “like a flower” and allow air and light to flood the property and offer panoramic views of the surroundings.

The internal walls of the house become external walls, the doors become windows and the windows become doors. Along with moving to provide optimal light and enhance and expand the view the house also helps reduce the money spent on heat. Solar radiation from the sun can significantly impact a building’s performance and improve energy efficiency.

The D’haus D’dynamic property has been designed to literally unfold itself and is the first property of its kind, offering a much more sustainable way of living. Mathematical concepts such as the “Haberdasher’s Puzzle” are endlessly fascinating and can offer a world of opportunity when transferred to creative mediums such as residential and commercial architecture. As architects in London, we will continue to take inspiration from developments such as these in our own work.