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Community Living Enhanced Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Vertical Gardens

Authors:
Marcela Olmos Pérez, Alvaro Araico Castant, Santiago Jiménez Labora Prieto, Andres De La Garma Valenzuela
Community Living Enhanced Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Vertical Gardens
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Cross-laminated timber structures support vertical living spaces interwoven with community gardens, creating an adaptable environment that fosters communal interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into the design promote community involvement and biodiversity.
03
Flexibility in occupancy allows for diverse living arrangements within the same structure.
04
Multiple public amenities are centrally located for easy access by all residents.
05
The design utilizes rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainable living practices.

The project showcases an innovative approach to affordable housing situated within a modern urban context focused on adaptability. The design merges public and private spaces to enhance community interaction while attending to the varied needs of residents. By acknowledging the surrounding urban structure, the project aims to establish a harmonious connection with its environment.

Design Concept

The aim is to create a vertical community where public spaces extend beyond the ground level. This arrangement encourages connections among residents, making it easier to engage with each other. The design moves away from traditional layouts, instead favoring a more dynamic organization that enhances accessibility and encourages use of shared areas.

Occupancy Typologies

The flexibility of occupancy types plays an important role in this design, allowing it to serve a diverse population. Housing options include individual, dual, family, and shared units, each catered to different living arrangements. For example, family units are designed to have two private bedrooms along with dedicated service areas, while individual and dual units focus on ensuring personal space while still promoting connection to communal resources.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. It includes features such as solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and community gardens. These elements support residents in becoming more self-sufficient, decreasing their need for traditional urban services. This focus on sustainability aims not only to meet immediate housing needs but also to consider long-term environmental impacts.

Materials and Amenities

The design employs cross-laminated timber for structural components, known for its durability and potential environmental benefits. Cross-laminated panels facilitate effective construction while remaining lightweight. Additionally, essential community amenities are integrated throughout the design, including a library, health clinic, grocery store, school, daycare, gym, and coffee shop.

Windows are carefully placed to ensure ample natural light throughout each unit. This enhances the living experience and prioritizes energy efficiency, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all residents.

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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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