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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Integration in Intergenerational Housing

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Integration in Intergenerational Housing
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and integrating communal hubs, the design fosters intergenerational living while revitalizing an underserved Orlando neighborhood.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates community hubs to encourage interaction among diverse age groups.
05
Focuses on adaptive reuse of vacant properties to revitalize the neighborhood.

### Context and Overview

The Urban Suburbia project is located in a lower-income area of Orlando, Florida, characterized by numerous vacant homes. The intent is to revitalize this community by creating residential solutions that cater to both seniors and residents of all ages. The design focuses on developing a walkable, socially connected environment that enhances the overall quality of life for community members.

### Community Integration and Social Connectivity

The design strategy aims to integrate senior living within a broader community framework, moving away from traditional models that isolate older adults. By embedding senior residents into the surrounding area, the project promotes intergenerational interactions and a stronger sense of belonging. The layout prioritizes pedestrian pathways, reducing reliance on automobiles and encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Centralized parks and communal spaces further facilitate social engagement and interaction among diverse age groups, effectively fostering community ties.

### Sustainable Materials and Adaptive Design

The project's material selection emphasizes sustainability and performance. Timber is utilized for structural elements and siding, sourced from responsible forestry practices to provide warmth and approachability. Brick serves as a structural and aesthetic anchor, while concrete is used in pathways to ensure durability. Extensive glass elements enhance natural light penetration, contributing to energy efficiency and promoting visual connections with outdoor spaces. The housing units are designed with modular features that can adapt to residents' evolving needs, incorporating strategies for passive heating and cooling, natural ventilation, and airtight envelopes to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.

These aspects collectively create a resilient architectural solution that upholds environmental standards while prioritizing social interactions among residents.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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