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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Urban Living With Community-Centric Design

Author:
Hanyu Zheng
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Urban Living With Community-Centric Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber walls and a flexible modular system, the design fosters community engagement while providing sustainable housing solutions in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a flexible modular design that allows for easy reconfiguration of living spaces.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize space and promote natural lighting.
05
Located in Kreuzberg, integrating seamlessly with the vibrant urban community.

The URBAN ‘MODULator’ is a modular housing project situated in Berlin, targeting the need for affordable living spaces in urban settings. This initiative embodies a design that prioritizes ecological sustainability, flexibility, and community integration. By utilizing contemporary modular construction techniques, the project aims to respond adeptly to the challenges of urban density while maintaining an efficient and practical approach to housing.

The design implements a modular system that allows for various configurations of living units. Each module measures approximately 9.6 m², enabling a range of living arrangements from compact studio apartments to larger multi-bedroom homes. This configuration not only provides an economic advantage but also facilitates straightforward construction and the potential for easy relocation or reconfiguration in response to changing urban needs.

Innovative Material Choices Enhance Sustainability

One key aspect that delineates the URBAN ‘MODULator’ from other housing projects is its commitment to sustainability through material selection. The primary materials utilized in the construction include Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), concrete, and glass. The use of CLT contributes to a reduced carbon footprint while providing the necessary structural integrity. Concrete, strategically used in conjunction with timber, enhances durability and fire resistance, securing the longevity of the structures. Glass elements in the façades further bolster the project's environmental objectives by maximizing natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Modular Flexibility and Community Integration

Another distinct characteristic of the URBAN ‘MODULator’ is its emphasis on flexibility and community. The modular design enables residents to adapt their living spaces to their specific needs, whether they require a workspace, additional storage, or communal areas. This adaptability is essential in urban areas where space optimization is crucial. The arrangement of modules can foster a sense of community, allowing for shared public spaces that encourage social interactions among residents. This community-oriented approach serves as a vital component of the overall design, contributing to a coexistence between individual and collective living.

The URBAN ‘MODULator’ presents a compelling model for affordable housing that prioritizes environmental sustainability, adaptability, and community. For authoritative insights into its architectural details, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, we invite you to explore the project presentation for further information.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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