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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Modular Living Experience with Sustainable Design Principles

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Modular Living Experience with Sustainable Design Principles
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Integrating cross-laminated timber panels with modular construction techniques, this residential design fosters community interaction while emphasizing sustainability through smart resource management.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency while enhancing thermal performance.
02
Charred wooden shingles offer durability and an aesthetic connection to local building traditions.
03
The bent A-frame design promotes natural water drainage and minimizes maintenance needs.
04
Modular units allow for customized living spaces, adapting to diverse resident requirements.
05
Integrated smart technology optimizes energy use and resource management throughout the residence.

## Sustainable Modular Residential System Overview

Located in a modern urban context, the proposed residential system integrates contemporary and traditional design elements within a modular framework. The project's intent focuses on sustainability, community-oriented spaces, and interior comfort while respecting the local cultural context. By balancing innovative technologies with regional architectural traditions, the design fosters environments that resonate with residents' identities and lifestyles.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The layout employs a modular approach, promoting flexibility and personalization to meet diverse user needs. Central to the design is a communal space that encourages social interaction, while independent modules are configured for privacy, reflecting local family dynamics and social customs. Connecting elements, such as corridors and openings, enhance cross-ventilation and natural light, creating a harmonious flow between different zones, including intimate living areas, communal spaces, and outdoor courtyards.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategy

The architectural form consists of modular blocks crafted from a selection of sustainable materials, reinforcing durability and aesthetic cohesion. Key materials include precast concrete for thermal efficiency, strategically placed glass to maximize natural light, and wood accents that align with regional design heritage. Metal panels serve as shading devices, enhancing energy efficiency while contributing to visual interest. Environmental strategies include the integration of photovoltaic panels, water harvesting systems, and greywater recycling, all designed to reduce dependency on public utilities and promote eco-friendly living practices. The project adheres to local building regulations and is designed for future adaptability, accommodating growth and evolving community needs.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect’s 
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
The Architect's 
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
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Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Advance registration deadline 14 January 2026
The Architect’s 
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Take a step and make a statement!

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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

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Early bird registration deadline 25 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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