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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Flexible Urban Microhomes

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Flexible Urban Microhomes
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency, these adaptable microhomes redefine urban living by maximizing space and fostering community engagement in a densely populated setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize spatial dynamics and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes flexible modular units that can be reconfigured based on residents' needs.
05
Integrates renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and geothermal heating, for sustainability.

## Overview

The Orbital Microhomes initiative is situated in the high-density Bay Street Corridor of downtown Toronto, an area that faces significant housing challenges due to rising costs and limited living space. The project aims to provide innovative solutions for urban living by creating adaptable and efficient residential units that promote community interaction. Through the use of sustainable practices and materials, the design seeks to enhance the quality of life for young professionals in this vibrant urban center.

### Spatial Organization and Community Framework

The design incorporates a strategy of continuous space recycling, allowing for flexible use of communal and private areas. Each microhome is part of a larger system where spaces can be transformed based on individual and collective needs. This modular approach includes expandable configurations that accommodate various household sizes and dynamic amenities, such as shared kitchens and recreational areas. Interactive common spaces are carefully designed to foster engagement among residents, thereby cultivating a sense of community and belonging.

### Sustainable Materiality

Sustainability is a core component of the design, with the structural framework primarily crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), recognized for its low environmental impact and structural efficiency. Large glass windows enhance natural light and provide visual connections to the surroundings. Additional sustainable features include zero VOC finishes, solar panels for renewable energy, rainwater harvesting systems, and geothermal heating. These materials and technologies not only fulfill functional requirements but also align with the overarching ecological goals of the project, emphasizing a commitment to responsible urban development.

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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.

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