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Cross-Laminated Timber Housing With Integrated Community Pods

Authors:
Carnation Kng, Heena Patel
Cross-Laminated Timber Housing With Integrated Community Pods

Project in-detail

Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber, the design integrates community pods to create versatile housing solutions that address urban living challenges in San Francisco.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber for rapid assembly and reconfiguration.
02
Incorporates Cloud Pods for essential community services within residential units.
03
Features adaptable layouts targeting diverse demographic needs.
04
Integrates circulation and service cores for resident convenience.
05
Designed to foster social interaction and community engagement.

CloudSpace is an architectural design initiative focused on solving the housing crisis in San Francisco. The project aims to create flexible living environments that can easily adapt to the changing needs of residents. By drawing inspiration from the idea of interconnected clouds, the design emphasizes a responsive approach to urban living. It looks to provide practical, sustainable solutions tailored to the diverse community in the city.

Modular Configurations

The design includes various modular configurations that cater to different demographic groups. Studio units are meant for singles and the elderly, while one-bedroom apartments serve couples and young families. Two-bedroom units are designed for larger family needs. This thoughtful arrangement allows flexibility, ensuring that living spaces are suitable for a wide range of residents.

Community Integration

An important aspect of CloudSpace is the inclusion of communal areas to encourage interaction among residents. The project features Cloud Pods, which offer vital community services such as grocery stores, social services, and event spaces. By incorporating these facilities into the design, the project aims to build a sense of community and strengthen the relationships among neighbors, enhancing the overall living environment.

Circulation and Services

The design features planned circulation and service cores that make movement throughout the residential spaces easy and efficient. These cores include essential amenities, such as laundromats and vending machines, which address the everyday needs of residents. This arrangement not only promotes convenience but also ensures that necessary services are readily accessible within the community.

Materiality and Flexibility

One key element in the design is the use of pre-fabricated Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) shell components. This choice supports quick construction and allows for the reconfiguration of housing units as occupants' needs change over time. The sustainable nature of the material pairs well with the adaptable design, creating spaces that can grow and evolve with their residents.

Proposed layouts highlight strategic locations around San Francisco, such as Balboa Park, City Hall, and Union Square. These thoughtfully designed spaces aim to make the best use of urban land while fostering community development. CloudSpace takes a practical and responsive approach to the complexities of modern urban living.

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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
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