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Cross-Laminated Timber Construction with Integrated Solar Panels and Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Cross-Laminated Timber Construction with Integrated Solar Panels and Rainwater Harvesting Systems
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Employing cross-laminated timber and an integrated rainwater harvesting system, this residential solution maximizes energy efficiency and adaptability in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural framing and insulation.
02
Incorporates integrated solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water usage.
04
Includes adaptable modular units for various living configurations.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview

The Plug Home project, located in Toronto, aims to address the city's significant affordable housing challenges. This microhome initiative seeks to provide sustainable and adaptable living solutions for a diverse range of residents, including individuals, couples, and families. By integrating innovative design strategies, the project enhances community engagement and fulfills essential residential needs within the urban environment.

### Modularity and Adaptability

The design's modular approach features distinct plug-in units that can be customized and aggregated to meet various user preferences. This flexibility allows for easy modifications and expansions, accommodating changing lifestyles over time. Each unit is designed to include functional spaces such as living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces, with additional solutions like foldable furniture optimizing interior space and improving overall user experience.

### Sustainability and Material Utilization

The project emphasizes sustainable practices through its comprehensive environmental framework. A range of materials has been chosen for their efficacy and aesthetic qualities, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), insulated wall panels, and low-emission glass. Key sustainability features include integrated metal panels for thermal efficiency, solar panels for energy generation, and a rainwater collection system. These elements work in harmony to create an energy-efficient living environment while minimizing ecological impact. The project also utilizes existing urban spaces, such as laneways and garden plots, promoting efficient land use and reducing the need for new developments.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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