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Cross-Laminated Timber Structures That Transform Urban Voids into Flexible Living Spaces

Authors:
Park Seohyeon , Sejin , Sumin Jo
Cross-Laminated Timber Structures That Transform Urban Voids into Flexible Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels, this design transforms underused urban voids into adaptable living spaces tailored for the modern digital nomad lifestyle.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a modular approach that allows for rapid assembly and flexible configuration.
04
Designed to occupy urban voids, revitalizing underutilized spaces in the city.
05
Promotes community interaction through open layouts that blend private and public areas.

## Overview

The "Urban Parasite" project presents a strategic housing solution tailored for digital nomads who embrace a mobile lifestyle enabled by remote work. Situated within underutilized urban spaces, the design focuses on integrating temporary structures into existing city fabrics, utilizing areas such as alleyways and rooftops. By doing so, it addresses the pressing need for adaptable and environmentally responsible living accommodations.

### Architectural Form and Interaction

The design features modular homes that can be configured in several formats—linear, L-shaped, and square—each serving varying social and functional requirements. The layout promotes interaction with the surrounding pedestrian environment through open fronts that facilitate engagement between residents and the public. This blurring of private and public spaces is central to reshaping urban interactions.

### Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability is embedded in both the design and materials used. The structures are equipped with solar panels to support off-grid energy needs and utilize an efficient rainwater collection and greywater management system to conserve water. The external materials include Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for its durability and low environmental impact, supplemented by cedar wood and fiber cement panels. Interior spaces feature adaptable modular furniture crafted from plywood, allowing for personalized living experiences while promoting environmental responsibility.

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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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