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Cross-Laminated Timber Community with Interstitial Public Spaces

Authors:
Purvangi Patel, Lukas Chan, Curtis Harrison
Cross-Laminated Timber Community with Interstitial Public Spaces

Project in-detail

With cross-laminated timber forming its core structure, the design seamlessly incorporates interstitial public spaces to cultivate community interaction while addressing housing needs through adaptable residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
The design incorporates interstitial public spaces for community gathering.
03
Location adjacent to TTC subway tracks optimizes accessibility and urban integration.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
05
Flexible residential units allow for adaptability to varying resident needs.

The design aims to tackle the significant issue of housing affordability in urban areas, with a focus on Toronto. It seeks to create communities that are sustainable and adaptable to residents' needs. The approach redefines what it means to be affordable by including considerations of social interaction and personal identity. By going beyond basic housing solutions, the design strives to improve urban living.

Conceptual Framework

The importance of community engagement is central to the design. Public spaces are created intentionally to encourage interaction among residents. These areas are not just functional; they contribute to a sense of belonging. By providing spaces for social connection, the project enhances the neighborhood's overall livability.

Spatial Organization

Private residential units and communal spaces are designed to work together. This arrangement allows individuals to express themselves while feeling part of a larger community. The layout supports easy movement between private and social areas, ensuring that residents can enjoy both personal quiet time and opportunities for connection. It reflects the diversity of Toronto by integrating various identities and stories into its fabric.

Materiality and Sustainability

Materials selected for the project include finishing panels, sheathing, rigid insulation, cross-laminated timber (CLT) boards, and interior finishing panels. These choices highlight a commitment to durability and environmental sustainability. The design focuses on using materials that not only serve their functional purpose but also support long-term adaptability and efficient living.

Integration with Urban Infrastructure

The location near the TTC subway tracks serves to enhance accessibility and optimize land use. Existing urban infrastructure is effectively utilized to address the challenges of limited space in metropolitan areas. This thoughtful integration fosters a sense of community and positions the design as a model for future developments.

The project features interconnected public terraces that function as green spaces. These terraces promote social interaction among residents and provide views of the surrounding city, enriching the overall living experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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