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Cross-Laminated Timber Modules Shaping Personalized Small Residences

Author:
Boguslaw Barnas
Cross-Laminated Timber Modules Shaping Personalized Small Residences
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber, the modular housing system redefines small living spaces by offering customizable configurations that allow for efficient urban integration and sustainable residential use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber for enhanced strength and stability.
02
Features a modular design that allows for quick assembly and customization.
03
Includes complementary elements like terraces and sheds for personalized living.
04
Utilizes pre-finished rooms to expedite installation and reduce waste.
05
Incorporates sustainable building practices to minimize environmental impact.

The modular housing system integrates wooden construction in residential areas, focusing on efficiency and adaptability. It is designed for single-family living and features various modules that can be assembled together. The approach centers on modularity, streamlining the building process while allowing for personalized spaces that meet different needs.

Modular System

The design consists of modular units that can serve as complete "room" products, either independently or in combination with others. These modules are built to standard transportation sizes, enabling easy movement without the need for special permits. This design choice simplifies logistics and significantly reduces construction time. On-site assembly is quick and efficient, enhancing overall labor productivity.

Configuration and Customization

The system provides multiple variants to accommodate various space requirements and design tastes. Options for flat and double roofs enhance aesthetic choices. Additional modules for terraces, sheds, and fences increase the potential for customization, allowing homeowners to create living environments tailored to their lifestyles.

Sustainability and Material Selection

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the project, focusing on minimizing environmental impact. The design features cross-laminated timber and solid structural timber as key materials. These materials are known for their strength and stability, supporting the overall durability of the modular units. The choice reflects a commitment to modern energy-efficient standards.

Distinct Module Types

The design includes three specific module types: a basic cube-shaped module, a habitable attic module, and an uninhabitable attic module. This variety offers flexibility, allowing residents to select configurations that fit their functional needs. These distinct module options encourage personalization in residential living while maintaining a cohesive architectural style defined by straightforwardness and practicality.

Large glazing elements are incorporated to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting natural light and a sense of openness.

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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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