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

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

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

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