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Cross-Laminated Timber Meets Reinforced Concrete in Urban High-Rise

Author:
Csaba Babud
Cross-Laminated Timber Meets Reinforced Concrete in Urban High-Rise

Project in-detail

The integration of cross-laminated timber and reinforced concrete creates a flexible high-rise in New York City, designed to adapt office spaces into residential units while addressing urban sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Use of cross-laminated timber enhances construction speed and reduces carbon emissions.
02
Reinforced concrete provides structural stability at significant heights.
03
Design allows for flexible conversion between office and residential uses.
04
Incorporation of mixed-use facilities promotes community interaction.
05
Strategic location in New York aligns with urban sustainability goals.

The proposal for a hybrid mass timber skyscraper takes place in New York City, known for its skyline and rich architectural history. This design blends reinforced concrete with mass timber to create a structure that addresses modern urban needs. It aims to serve both residential and commercial functions, reflecting the current trends in how people live and work.

Structural Framework

The building relies on reinforced concrete as the primary load-bearing material, providing essential stability and safety. This choice is significant for ensuring that high-rise buildings can withstand various stresses while maximizing interior space. The concrete foundation supports the overall height, allowing for expansive views of the urban environment.

Adaptable Spaces

A key aspect of the design is the flexibility of its spaces. The upper floors, originally planned for office use, can be converted into residential units. This adaptability meets the growing demand for varied living options and reflects shifts in urban life, where the lines between work and home are increasingly blurred. It allows the structure to respond to changing societal needs without extensive redesign.

Mixed-Use Integration

The design thoughtfully integrates mixed-use spaces. It combines retail, business areas, and recreational facilities to foster a sense of community. This approach enhances accessibility and encourages interaction among occupants and visitors. By creating a multifunctional environment, the project aims to contribute to a lively urban setting.

Sustainable Approach

Sustainability is a central theme in the project, evident in the selection of materials. The use of cross-laminated timber and glued laminated timber not only provides structural benefits but also supports goals for reducing environmental impact. These materials have lower carbon footprints compared to traditional construction elements, aligning with broader efforts to embrace eco-friendly practices in architecture.

The building’s clear lines and thoughtful design create a modern silhouette on the New York skyline. Each element of the project works together towards a purpose, enhancing the experience of 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
competition now

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