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Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Roof Integration in Flexible Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Daniel Kis, Laszlo Csizinszky, Fanni Burányi
Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Roof Integration in Flexible Urban Living Spaces
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Integrating cross-laminated timber with extensive green roofs, this design offers flexible urban living spaces that adapt to diverse resident needs while promoting sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates extensive green roofs for ecological benefits and rainwater management.
03
Features charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed with a central core for flexible spatial reconfiguration.
05
Emphasizes community interaction through open, multifunctional communal areas.

The "Building Blocks" architectural project represents a modern approach to urban living, emphasizing modular design and sustainability. The concept caters primarily to young professionals seeking adaptable living spaces that accommodate evolving lifestyle needs. The project integrates a central core structure that allows for flexibility in spatial arrangement, thereby facilitating a dynamic living environment.

The design features multiple distinct functional areas, including living, kitchen, and sleeping spaces, which are purposefully separated through color differentiation rather than traditional walls. This approach maximizes utility while fostering a sense of openness and connectivity. The project uses a variety of materials that contribute to both its functional and aesthetic qualities. These include FSC certified wood for structural elements, extensive green roofs for sustainability, energy-efficient insulation materials, and durable finishes that ensure longevity and easy maintenance.

Modular Adaptability and Community Focus

One of the defining characteristics of the "Building Blocks" project is its modular adaptability. The design allows residents to rearrange their living spaces according to personal needs, an essential feature in urban settings where space is often limited. This adaptability caters to different family dynamics, lifestyle changes, or even individual preferences for aesthetics and function.

The project also emphasizes social interaction through its open communal spaces, intentionally designed to foster a sense of community among residents. Such shared areas are crucial in densely populated environments, promoting engagement and collaboration among inhabitants. The balanced integration of private and communal spaces sets this project apart from traditional residential designs.

Sustainability and Environmental Design

Sustainability is a core element of the "Building Blocks" project. The incorporation of green roofs serves not only as landscaping but also as a functional system for rainwater collection and natural insulation, minimizing the building's environmental footprint. The design implements energy-efficient systems, including heat pumps and water conservation strategies, which ensure optimal resource management and long-term viability.

The thoughtful selection of materials, centered on renewable resources, further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. This aligns the architectural decisions with broader ecological principles, making the design relevant in the context of contemporary architectural trends focused on environmental responsibility.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and unique design ideas, consider exploring the full presentation. Delve into the specifics of how modular design and sustainability have been intertwined to create an innovative response to modern urban living challenges.

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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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