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Cross-Laminate Timber Community Designed for Social Connection

Authors:
Shahrooz Zayandehroodi, Elham Moradi
Cross-Laminate Timber Community Designed for Social Connection
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Constructed with cross-laminate timber, this community-focused building promotes social interaction among residents through thoughtfully designed communal spaces and a variety of living units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with sustainable cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles applied for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Design features a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes diverse living unit sizes to accommodate a variety of resident needs.
05
Focuses on communal areas to promote social interaction among residents.

"Architecture to End Human Loneliness" focuses on reducing social isolation in urban life. The project is situated in a lively urban area and aims to foster community through thoughtful design. The concept revolves around creating connections among residents while meeting their diverse housing needs.

Structural Efficiency

The design features important structural elements like pre-manufactured glulam columns and cast-in columns. These components provide stability to the building and allow for quicker construction. Cross-laminate mass timber panels are also included, which highlight a commitment to sustainable building practices. Using engineered wood products is becoming increasingly common in architecture, and this project exemplifies that trend.

Diverse Living Spaces

A significant aspect of the design is the range of living options available. There are studio layouts of 313 square feet, one-bedroom units measuring 626 square feet, and two-bedroom units at 939 square feet. This variety accommodates different lifestyles and ensures inclusivity. Offering multiple unit sizes helps to provide adaptable housing solutions that can fit a broad spectrum of residents.

Community-Centric Design

The focus on communal spaces is crucial for encouraging interactions among residents. The layout promotes opportunities for social engagement, helping to reduce feelings of isolation that can occur in urban environments. These common areas are thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of belonging and create a supportive atmosphere for everyone.

Attention to detail is evident in the shared amenities, which enhance both the function and look of the living environment. Each communal space is crafted to invite residents to gather, reinforcing the intent to build a connected community. This focus on social interaction permeates the design, ensuring that the spaces serve as a hub for residents to come together.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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