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Clt Panels and Urban Farming: a Modular Approach to Community Living

Authors:
Beixi Zhu, Shiyu Jin
Clt Panels and Urban Farming: a Modular Approach to Community Living
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With its integration of CLT panels and an urban farming landscape, the design incorporates modular units that foster community engagement while providing sustainable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
CLT panels are used to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
The project includes an urban farming landscape for resident engagement.
03
A central courtyard of 780m² promotes social interaction among residents.
04
Units are organized in inner and outer loops to balance privacy and community.
05
Modular design accommodates various lifestyles with flexible living arrangements.

The design in Melbourne offers a modular housing solution aimed at addressing the needs of urban living. It focuses on affordability and sustainability while promoting a strong sense of community. The project’s overall concept is based on Aggregation, which combines different living spaces into a cohesive environment that supports both connectivity and individuality among residents.

Modular Design Concept

Aggregation is a core principle that guides the structure. The design utilizes a pixelation strategy, where individual units come together to form a larger community. This allows for a flexible arrangement of living spaces while ensuring each unit maintains its identity. Organizing the layout into inner and outer loops creates a balance between private areas and shared spaces, enriching the living experience.

Spatial Configuration

Various unit types cater to different lifestyles and needs. The categories include Short, Tall, Grande, and Venti, with sizes that begin at 28m² for micro-units and extend to more spacious arrangements. This thoughtful division ensures that the architecture adapts to the demands of modern living and encourages social interaction among residents.

Central Courtyard and Urban Farming

A central courtyard spans 780m² and serves as a shared area for residents. Alongside it, an urban farming landscape enhances the living environment, promoting sustainability and access to fresh produce. This feature not only contributes to healthier living but also strengthens the bond between people and nature in an urban setting.

Materiality and Construction

The building's facade is made from prefabricated "sandwich" CLT panels. This choice is significant for both efficiency and environmental considerations. The use of these materials supports the project’s aim for sustainability and modern building practices. These panels further improve the thermal performance of the homes, keeping residents comfortable in varying weather conditions.

Living arrangements are diverse, with distinct communal spaces designed to foster interaction. The well-planned central courtyard provides a recreational area for residents, promoting community connection and engagement. Overall, the design addresses urban housing needs while emphasizing both individual and collective experiences in a thoughtful manner.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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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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