Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cross-Laminated Timber Meets Incremental Development in Sustainable Housing Solutions

Authors:
Mukesh Vanjani, Luke Carter, Dain Mcclure-thomas
Cross-Laminated Timber Meets Incremental Development in Sustainable Housing Solutions
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing cross-laminated timber and a modular approach, this housing solution adapts to evolving needs while promoting community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes pre-fabricated cross-laminated timber panels for increased structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a modular design that allows for incremental expansion based on resident needs.
04
Includes community-oriented shared spaces to foster social interaction among inhabitants.
05
Employs sustainable practices throughout construction to minimize environmental impact.

## Project Overview

This design initiative addresses the need for affordable housing in Sydney, Australia, utilizing a modular and incremental building strategy. The focus is on flexibility to accommodate evolving living conditions, while promoting sustainable and economically feasible housing options for a diverse community. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood with convenient access to public transportation and local amenities, the selected site is strategically positioned near the central business district, enhancing resident mobility and facilitating community engagement.

## Framework and Structural Approach

The architectural framework is specifically designed to incorporate prefabricated modules and components. Built-in services, including plumbing, electrical systems, and water connections, are integrated within this framework, allowing for efficient connectivity to future enhancements. The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is central to the structure, providing both structural integrity and ecological advantages. This material selection not only supports sustainable practices but also contributes to optimized construction timelines through the use of pre-fabricated factory panels and effective insulation materials.

## Modular Configuration

The project outlines several housing configurations to accommodate various demographic needs. Studio apartments designed as single modules cater to individuals or couples, while one-bedroom homes composed of two modules serve small families or couples requiring additional space. Family homes, utilizing four to six modules, are designed for larger households and incorporate amenities that foster cohesive living environments. This modular setup allows for gradual expansions, emphasizing the adaptability essential to address the changing needs of occupants over time.

### Key Features

The design fosters incremental development, enabling occupants to modify their living spaces based on varying requirements without necessitating relocation. Additionally, community-oriented spaces such as gardens and shared areas are integral to the design, promoting social interaction among residents. Sustainable practices are highlighted through strategic material choices and construction methods aimed at minimizing environmental impact while enhancing energy efficiency. The model also encourages collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach that aligns financial and emotional investments within a robust housing ecosystem.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy