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Cross-Laminated Timber Structures Integrated With Solar Technology in Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Sahar Pashazanousi, Farhang Alipour
Cross-Laminated Timber Structures Integrated With Solar Technology in Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and solar technology, this Toronto housing solution embodies a modular design approach while addressing the urgent need for affordable and customizable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design that adapts to various lot dimensions, enhancing site-specific customization.
02
Incorporates photovoltaic panels directly into the roof for integrated renewable energy solutions.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
04
Designed with multifunctional spaces to support diverse urban living needs.
05
Includes a green roof to promote biodiversity and improve urban air quality.

## Project Overview

The "Build Your Own Home" (BYOH) initiative introduces an architectural design concept in Toronto, Canada, aimed at addressing the demand for affordable housing in urban environments. This project emphasizes adaptability and sustainability through modular configurations, allowing for tailored living solutions that promote community integration.

## Spatial Strategy

The design strategically leverages Toronto's narrow public laneways, facilitating customized configurations that respond to specific lot dimensions. Each unit is designed to maximize space efficiency and flexibility, satisfying diverse homeowner preferences within the constraints of urban living. The integration of multifunctional spaces enhances usability, with areas designated for living, working, and leisure smoothly flowing together, thereby supporting contemporary lifestyles.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The construction employs a selection of materials that enhance both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal while maintaining a focus on environmental responsibility. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary building material, offering high insulation properties and durability. Photovoltaic panels harness solar energy to promote energy independence, while KINGSPAN QuadCore LEC Insulated Roof Panels significantly improve thermal efficiency. The installation of a green roof supports biodiversity, contributes to air quality enhancement, and provides additional insulation. This blend of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainable practices in urban housing.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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