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Cross-Laminated Timber Structures Reimagining Community Living in Hackney Wick

Authors:
Wang Chun Kieran Tse, Wai Jong Jonathan Siu, Gary Ka Chun Fung, Chenglin Zhu
Cross-Laminated Timber Structures Reimagining Community Living in Hackney Wick
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Cross-laminated timber forms a flexible, multifaceted living environment in Hackney Wick, offering a unique, subscription-based housing solution that prioritizes communal engagement and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber supports the entire structure, enhancing sustainability and reducing construction waste.
02
Flexible interior layouts allow residents to personalize their living spaces according to individual needs.
03
Public platforms are integrated into the design, fostering community interactions among residents.
04
The project features green rooftops that connect indoor spaces with outdoor environments for enhanced living.
05
Located in Hackney Wick, it reflects the area’s artistic character and innovative spirit.

PLIC (Polyvalent Living Cloud) presents a new approach to housing designed specifically for Millennials. Located in Hackney Wick, a lively area known for its artistic community, PLIC offers a temporary subscription-based platform that prioritizes flexibility in urban living. The project allows residents to modify their living spaces according to their personal needs, fostering a sense of community while addressing the need for adaptable environments in today’s cities.

Design Concept

The design centers around the idea of polyvalence, where spaces are not assigned fixed roles. Instead, residents can reinterpret and redefine the functions of their areas. This flexibility leads to a dynamic living environment that adapts as individual lifestyles change. The structure includes a stable framework that houses essential services, enabling residents to influence their surroundings and engage with their neighbors in meaningful ways.

Geographic Context

Located in Hackney Wick, the project fits within a neighborhood marked by creative living arrangements and diverse cultural expressions. The area is home to various innovative setups, such as houseboats along the canal. PLIC aims to enhance the community by echoing the original spirit of Hackney Wick amidst the rapid changes occurring around it. It serves not only as housing but also as a gathering point for residents to reconnect with each other and the environment, reinforcing a sense of identity in an evolving landscape.

Materials and Construction

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a primary material used in PLIC, supporting its prefabricated construction method. This technique allows for faster assembly and less waste, promoting sustainability. Timber cladding and outdoor decking complement the building’s aesthetic and functionality. Corten steel panels provide weather protection, while sections of corrugated steel create opportunities for local artistic projects. Together, these materials contribute to a welcoming and practical living space.

Community Spaces

PLIC emphasizes shared areas that encourage interactions among residents. Public platforms are integrated into the design, along with green spaces on both the ground and rooftops. These areas enhance connections between indoor and outdoor environments, offering places for gatherings, events, and relaxation. By focusing on communal experiences, the architecture supports both social engagement and personal privacy, reflecting the diverse needs of its residents.

Within PLIC, the arrangement of interiors offers a variety of layouts that cater to different lifestyles, ensuring that each person's experience of home is both personal and communal. The thoughtful integration of public and private spaces highlights the project’s goal of fostering community while respecting individual needs.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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