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Cross Laminated Timber Housing Integrating Steel Grids and Shared Living Spaces

Authors:
Sara Badalinezhad, Diego De La Maza, Leon Ladišić, Derya Ucan
Cross Laminated Timber Housing Integrating Steel Grids and Shared Living Spaces
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Cross Laminated Timber forms a resilient framework supported by a steel grid, creating adaptable housing that enhances community living through shared amenities and efficient spatial configurations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber provides structural versatility while enhancing thermal performance.
02
A central core integrates essential shared wet units efficiently, reducing redundancy.
03
Adaptable spaces can be easily reconfigured for various community activities.
04
The steel grid framework supports vertical and horizontal connections throughout the building.
05
Community amenities are strategically positioned to promote resident interaction and accessibility.

Set in the urban landscape of Berlin, the design focuses on creating adaptable housing solutions that cater to modern needs. The approach emphasizes a modular system that allows for flexibility in how spaces are used. By encouraging communal living, the design fosters interactions among residents while addressing issues of affordability and sustainability.

Core Structure

At the center of the layout is a core that facilitates movement between floors through stairs and elevators. This core houses essential “wet units,” which include shared kitchens, bathrooms, and showers. By having these facilities available to all residents, the design minimizes redundancy common in traditional housing, enhancing the communal aspect of living.

Adaptable Spaces

Surrounding the core, adaptable spaces are created for varied functions. These can shift between social use, such as living areas and gardens, or become additional wet units if needed. This kind of flexibility supports different lifestyles, including co-living scenarios and those with larger families. Residents can tailor their space according to their needs at any given time.

Materials and Structure

The project uses a steel grid framework, which provides necessary strength and stability to the structure. This framework allows for walls and floors made from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). This choice of materials contributes to both the aesthetic and the environmental aspects of the design, promoting effective energy use and sustainable practices throughout its lifespan.

Community Integration

Community amenities are placed strategically within the base of the building. These include retail areas, libraries, and daycare centers, ensuring that daily services are easily accessible. This integration promotes a strong connection between the residents and their neighborhood, encouraging informal interactions that support a vibrant communal life.

The thoughtful design balances public and private areas, ensuring that private units are positioned for privacy. Each unit is designed to provide comfort, while shared spaces allow residents to engage with one another. The overall composition creates a living environment that supports both community and individual needs, paving the way for a new approach to urban housing.

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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.

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