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Brick Facade and Cross-Laminated Timber in Modular Urban Living Solutions

Author:
Annika Tuominen
Brick Facade and Cross-Laminated Timber in Modular Urban Living Solutions
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The integration of a brick facade with cross-laminated timber creates a modular urban living environment that efficiently accommodates diverse resident needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unità Fixed allows for reconfiguration of spaces to adapt to changing resident needs.
02
Unità Compact features the option for mini kitchens in private rooms, enhancing long-term living.
03
Unità Mini provides furnished rooms specifically designed for temporary residents like students.
04
Construction utilizes cross-laminated timber, ensuring efficient prefabrication and reduced building time.
05
A durable brick facade supports sustainability with low maintenance and thermal stability.

The Unitá design series offers a modern solution to the housing challenges faced in urban areas. It consists of three types of living units: Unità Fixed, Unità Compact, and Unità Mini. Each unit type is designed to cater to different resident requirements, enhancing the overall livability in a metropolitan setting. The approach focuses on creating flexible spaces that promote interaction among residents while respecting personal privacy.

Unità Fixed
Unità Fixed is dedicated to long-term housing, with each unit covering an area of 30 square meters. The design allows for adjustments, making it easy for residents to modify their living space as needed. Should more room be necessary, additional units can be added to accommodate larger families or groups. The layout supports shared living experiences, with a careful balance of communal and private areas.

Unità Compact
Unità Compact serves as a practical option for those who want their own space but also appreciate shared facilities. It features larger communal areas that can host gatherings, while private rooms are designed to be cozy and functional. Residents have the option to install mini kitchens in these rooms, adding convenience for those who may stay longer.

Unità Mini
Unità Mini focuses on temporary residents, such as students or seasonal workers. These units are smaller but fully furnished, designed for efficient living with minimal clutter. Despite their size, they include access to various shared spaces that encourage social interaction among residents. This design helps create a supportive community, even in brief stays.

The construction of the units uses cross-laminated timber, a material that allows for efficient prefabrication. This choice enhances the speed and affordability of building. Additionally, a brick facade is used, providing toughness and durability while requiring little maintenance. It helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout different seasons.

The layout of the units creates a blend of communal and private spaces, encouraging residents to engage with one another while enjoying their own private retreats. This design aims to foster a sense of community, making it possible for people from different backgrounds to coexist comfortably within the same environment. Each living space is more than just a room; it is a part of a larger community that supports both individual lifestyles and collective experiences.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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.

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