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Cross-Laminated Timber Units Integrating Community Spaces with Sustainable Design

Authors:
Reem Abdelaal, Rui Zhang
Cross-Laminated Timber Units Integrating Community Spaces with Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and expansive glass elements, this development enhances urban living with flexible modular units designed to foster community interaction and affordability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles as a weather-resistant and fire-retardant finish.
03
Features a flexible modular design allowing for various unit configurations.
04
Includes expansive glass elements to maximize natural light and connectivity with the outdoors.
05
Designed to create communal spaces that foster social interaction among residents.
The "Responsive City" project presents an architectural solution to the housing crisis in urban settings, particularly addressing the challenges faced by residents in Toronto. This design employs a modular framework, characterized by prefabricated units constructed using structural insulated panels (SIPs). The project aims to provide affordable housing options while ensuring efficiency in construction and adaptability in design.

The modular units can be configured in various ways, accommodating different needs and preferences for urban living. This design allows for flexibility, enabling users to adapt their living spaces as their circumstances change. The primary materials utilized include structural insulated panels for thermal efficiency and speed of assembly, timber for framing and aesthetic warmth, expansive glass for natural lighting, and concrete for foundational strength. The combination of these materials contributes to the overall sustainability of the project, aligning with contemporary environmental considerations in architecture.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the "Responsive City" project is its emphasis on adaptability. The housing units can be either basic or rectangular, with options for extensions and balconies, allowing residents to tailor their spaces to meet specific requirements. This responsiveness to user needs significantly differentiates this project from conventional housing developments, which often provide static, unchangeable designs.

Another unique aspect lies in the integration of communal spaces within the overall development. The architecture promotes a sense of community, encouraging social interactions among residents through shared recreational and commercial areas. This design strategy goes beyond individual housing units, fostering a holistic approach to urban living where residents can engage with each other and their environment.

Community and Sustainability Integration

The project also prioritizes sustainability through its material choices and energy-efficient design. By utilizing structural insulated panels, the development minimizes energy consumption and construction waste, while timber and glass are selected for their low environmental impact. The design does not only address immediate housing demands but also considers long-term implications for urban development, contributing positively to the ecological footprint of the area.

Residents will benefit from enhanced living conditions in a community framework that embraces both privacy within modular units and connectivity through communal spaces. This balance supports improved quality of life and reflects contemporary architectural trends towards creating inclusive and responsive urban environments.

Explore the presentation of this project further for additional insights. Review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas and features that define the "Responsive City" project.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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