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Cross-Laminated Timber Housing Harmonized with Communal Courtyards in Rural Context

Author:
Andrew Druding
Cross-Laminated Timber Housing Harmonized with Communal Courtyards in Rural Context

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber, this design reinterprets traditional courtyard living by seamlessly merging private and communal spaces, offering a sustainable housing solution that promotes community engagement in a rural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes innovative cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing durability and a natural weather-resistant finish.
03
Features a distinct bent A-frame design, optimizing spatial interaction in communal areas.
04
Centers around a multifunctional courtyard, promoting social connection and shared activities.
05
Adapts modular housing concepts, allowing residents to customize their living spaces according to personal needs.
The "Collective Courtyard Community" project is a thoughtful exploration of architecture that addresses the needs of rural populations in China facing the challenges of modernization and urban migration. This architectural endeavor serves as a response to demographic shifts, where traditional communal living is at risk due to an influx of residents migrating to urban areas. The project embodies a vision for sustainable and community-oriented housing, focusing on a design that promotes both individual privacy and collective interaction.

At its core, this project emphasizes the significance of the courtyard as a central feature, echoing the traditional courtyard houses that have long been a staple of Chinese architecture. Unlike typical urban developments that prioritize individual units, the design cleverly merges private living spaces around a shared courtyard, fostering a sense of community among residents. This spatial organization not only enhances social interactions but also allows for varied experiences within a singular, cohesive environment.

The layout of the project is modular, with individual residential units designed in a way that they can be assembled around the central courtyard. This adaptability allows for flexibility in housing configurations, enabling residents to choose the arrangements that best fit their needs. Each unit spans a compact footprint, ensuring that the overall density of the project maximizes land use while providing enough space for greenery and communal activities.

In terms of materiality, the project incorporates sustainable and innovative materials, highlighting a commitment to environmentally responsible architecture. The use of cross-laminated timber plays a pivotal role in the structural design, providing strength while minimizing the ecological footprint. This material's lightweight and resilient properties make it ideal for crafting a durable yet warm aesthetic that invites residents. Glass is also extensively used, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces, enhancing the overall quality of life by connecting the indoors with the courtyard outside. This design decision reflects a broader architectural principle of transparency and accessibility, promoting open communication among residents.

The details of the design extend beyond visual aesthetics. The project includes communal kitchens and multifunctional spaces, recognizing the importance of shared resources in enhancing community bonds. These communal areas are carefully placed to encourage regular interaction, thereby helping to establish a close-knit environment. By integrating communal facilities with residential units, the architecture aligns with a sustainable lifestyle that acknowledges the importance of shared experiences and collaborative living.

Unique design approaches in this project further set it apart. The integration of traditional housing elements allows residents to experience a sense of cultural continuity, while the contemporary interpretation of these elements ensures relevancy in a rapidly changing context. This combination results in a project that is not only functional but also enriching, offering spaces for social engagement, creativity, and community-building.

The project’s geographic relevance underscores its intent. Located in rural China, the architecture highlights local traditions while addressing the pressing needs brought on by urbanization. It utilizes design to create a balance between modern living and traditional values, making it a model for future rural housing solutions that respect cultural heritage while promoting sustainable living practices.

In summary, the "Collective Courtyard Community" project is an insightful representation of how architecture can respond to the evolving demands of society. It emphasizes collective living through its design, promoting connectivity among residents while ensuring individual needs are met. For those interested in examining this project in more depth, including insights into architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, exploring the project presentation will provide valuable context and understanding of its comprehensive approach to community living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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