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 Panels and Green Walls Redefining Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Hamid Shahi, Ronak Gandhi
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Green Walls Redefining Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and integrating green walls, the design transforms urban living by creating modular residences that prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and reduced waste.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural lighting and ventilation.
04
Integrates extensive green walls and balconies to promote biodiversity in urban settings.
05
Offers adaptable living units that can be reconfigured based on changing community needs.

The Urban Habitat project focuses on redefining residential architecture in London through a sustainable and community-oriented approach. This design centers on the integration of modular living units that cater to diverse household types, fostering social interaction while prioritizing environmental consciousness. The project seeks to address the pressing issues of urban density and a shortage of affordable housing.

The overarching function of the project is to create adaptable living environments that respond to the changing dynamics of urban population demographics. The use of modular design principles enables flexibility in space utilization, allowing for reconfiguration as needs evolve. This adaptability is complemented by an emphasis on sustainable building practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of the structures.

The architectural layout showcases a series of 25 square meter modules that can be arranged in various configurations. These configurations include studio, one-bedroom, and multi-room units, accommodating singles, couples, and families. Essential communal spaces, such as shared kitchens and lounges, are strategically placed to encourage resident interaction, thereby enhancing community bonds.

The unique design aspects of this project include the extensive use of prefabricated materials, such as concrete panels and timber, which facilitate efficient construction while reducing waste. The integration of green elements—such as plant-filled balconies and roof gardens—promotes biodiversity and contributes to urban greening. Additionally, large expanses of glass in the façade enhance natural light penetration and foster visual connections to the outdoors.

What distinguishes this project from similar residential developments is its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The modularity of the design not only addresses the variability in household sizes but also allows for future adaptability, ensuring the architecture can evolve alongside the community it serves. The project’s thoughtful incorporation of communal areas and varied living spaces demonstrates an understanding of contemporary social dynamics in urban settings.

The architectural design process emphasizes accessibility through well-considered circulation routes, with elevators and stairs located to optimize flow and minimize space consumption. This ensures ease of movement while maintaining a focus on interaction among residents. The façade’s grid pattern not only serves aesthetic purposes but also contributes to functional benefits, such as thermal efficiency and sun shading.

For further insight into the Urban Habitat project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that illustrate the innovative concepts and strategies employed in this forward-thinking architectural endeavor. Delve into the architectural ideas that shape this community-centered model, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its design implications.

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

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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