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Cross-Laminated Timber Structures with Autonomous Delivery Solutions in Urban Housing

Author:
Norifumi Kasai
Cross-Laminated Timber Structures with Autonomous Delivery Solutions in Urban Housing
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and integrating autonomous delivery systems, this modular housing solution redefines urban living by emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique self-bracing modular structural formation for enhanced stability.
02
Incorporates an autonomous delivery drone landing pad for logistical efficiency.
03
Designed with a flexible digital platform for intuitive user customization.
04
Features a geometrical grid that accommodates future community expansion.
05
Integrates solar panels for energy harvesting to support sustainability.

The Rapidhive architectural design project introduces a modern modular housing solution in an urban setting. It focuses on flexibility and sustainability, addressing the diverse needs of its users and the characteristics of the location. The design is built around a self-bracing modular structural formation that acts as the core for assembly. This approach allows for a variety of configurations, promoting efficiency and adaptability in construction.

Structural Framework

The foundation consists of a rigid space-truss system that utilizes triangular geometry for improved stability. Horizontal members provide additional reinforcement, enabling an array of architectural configurations. This modular system streamlines the construction process by reducing the need for specialized preparations on-site, which often lead to uncertainty in traditional building methods.

Modular System Features

Distinct elements of the Rapidhive system include modular handrails attached to the roof structure that enhance safety and accessibility. An autonomous delivery drone landing pad is combined into the design, facilitating efficient logistics for transporting goods. These features respond to current architectural needs while addressing practical challenges in transportation and assembly.

Energy Efficiency

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the design, particularly through a modular roof equipped with solar panels. This setup allows for energy collection, enabling harvested electricity to be stored for later use or fed back into the grid. The focus on energy efficiency positions the Rapidhive system as a viable alternative to traditional housing, aligning with the need for greener solutions in urban environments.

Digital Interaction and Community Development

Supporting the overall design is a digital platform that allows users to manage their preferences easily. The interface helps streamline project planning while accommodating individual needs and site specifics. The project envisions community growth, with a geometrical grid intended for future adaptations, ensuring that structures can utilize green energy resources effectively.

Materials such as cross-laminated timber, steel, aluminum, and advanced composite materials construct the project. The use of cross-laminated timber underlines a commitment to sustainability, combining strength with design flexibility and enabling straightforward transport and assembly. The overall design features clean lines and a modular aesthetic that blends practicality with a thoughtful integration into the urban landscape.

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

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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.

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