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Cross-Laminated Timber Framework Combined with Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Community Living Environment

Authors:
Serban Ionescu, Vlad CĂpitanu, Dragos Constantin Tanasie
Cross-Laminated Timber Framework Combined with Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Community Living Environment

Project in-detail

Blending cross-laminated timber construction with integrated vertical gardens, this community-focused development enhances urban living while prioritizing sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber construction enhances structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Integrated vertical gardens promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide low-maintenance weather resistance.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while minimizing energy use.
05
Flexible living units adapt to various family sizes and communal needs.

### Project Overview
Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the design focuses on communal living and its integration with natural surroundings through innovative architecture and the use of sustainable materials. The intent is to create a living environment that promotes community interaction while respecting and enhancing the local context. The architectural language combines modern forms with a strong emphasis on functionality and aesthetic coherence.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design framework is centered on the concept of "Layers," representing varying degrees of social interaction—from private to public spaces. This framework aims to mitigate social isolation in communal living arrangements. Key elements include a human-centric approach that prioritizes the needs of individuals and families, adaptive spaces that feature flexible areas such as semi-public and semi-private zones, and transitional zones that effectively bridge the interior and exterior environments to enhance accessibility.

The spatial organization is carefully planned to facilitate movement and interaction. The ground floor hosts communal areas designed for social gatherings and activities, including integrated gardens. Residential units on the first floor feature private terraces that connect residents to the outdoors, reinforcing the relationship between living spaces and nature. Additional community facilities, such as market spaces and communal farming areas, reflect a dedication to local food production and sustainability.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The predominant use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) underscores the commitment to sustainability, structural efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This choice supports environmentally responsible building practices. Other materials include extensive glass facades to optimize natural light and foster visual connections with the surroundings, concrete for foundational stability, and metal finishes for modern accents in areas such as staircases and railings.

In addition to functional considerations, the design incorporates extensive green roofs and vertical gardens, enhancing biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability while providing flexible living spaces that adapt to diverse lifestyles and community needs. The overall material palette is selected not only for its visual impact but also for its minimal environmental footprint, contributing to the project's long-term sustainability goals.

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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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