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Cross-Laminated Timber Modules Transforming Urban Parking into Housing

Authors:
Ailin Adelinik, Alireza Taghipoor
Cross-Laminated Timber Modules Transforming Urban Parking into Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed from cross-laminated timber modules, this innovative approach repurposes underutilized urban parking spaces into functional housing units, addressing the critical need for residential development in Toronto.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructs housing above existing parking lots, maximizing urban space efficiency.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features modular design for quick assembly and adaptability to various sites.
04
Integrates vertical circulation modules to streamline infrastructure placement.
05
Reinforces existing low-rise structures to support new residential units.

The project addresses housing challenges in Toronto, a city that is rapidly growing and facing increased demand for residential units. The design focuses on underutilized spaces such as single-story transport terminals, large parking lots, and low-rise structures. It aims to create new housing opportunities while promoting community interaction and enhancing urban connectivity.

Design Strategy

The approach emphasizes integrating residential units into the existing urban environment. This strategy seeks to make efficient use of land to accommodate the city’s growing population. By reimagining spaces that were once dedicated to commercial activities, the design aligns with the evolving needs of the community.



Modular Construction

A key feature of the design is the use of prefabricated modules. These modular units can be configured in various ways, including studio and multi-bedroom apartments. Off-site production streamlines assembly, resulting in shorter construction times and less disruption for surrounding areas during development.



Sustainability and Material Use

The project incorporates mass timber, specifically cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is known for its environmentally friendly properties. This material helps lower carbon emissions and allows for quicker construction. The design also includes vertical circulation modules, ensuring essential systems like plumbing and HVAC are integrated efficiently.



Structural Reinforcement

It's important to reinforce existing structures to support the new additions. Detailed structural analyses confirm that low-rise buildings can handle the increased load from new residential units. In open areas, platforms are constructed to provide a stable base for the modules, making effective use of available space.


Overall, this design represents a practical response to urban needs, where modular units integrate into the city landscape, offering much-needed housing options while supporting sustainable growth.

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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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