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Cross-Laminated Timber Units Nestled Within Green Terraces Along An Urban Railway

Authors:
Joanna Loubly, Olivier Loubly, Claire Richeda, Nuria Gambin Esteban
Cross-Laminated Timber Units Nestled Within Green Terraces Along An Urban Railway

Project in-detail

Nestled along an urban railway, modular living units constructed from cross-laminated timber integrate green terraces and community gardens to provide sustainable housing solutions in Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for quick assembly and adaptability to residents' needs.
02
The design incorporates an urban railway, enhancing connectivity and access.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a unique aesthetic.
05
Community gardens integrated into the layout promote biodiversity and social interaction.

The project "The Mesh" presents a contemporary approach to urban housing in Paris, designed to address both affordability and sustainability. It incorporates modular living units into a network of green spaces that utilize the landscape of La Petite Ceinture, an abandoned railway. This design seeks to transform a neglected urban area into a vibrant, integrated community where residents can access both natural elements and social interactions.

The architecture of "The Mesh" emphasizes a cohesive relationship between living spaces and their surroundings. Each unit is designed to be prefabricated, enhancing construction efficiency while minimizing ecological impact. The structure leverages materials such as recycled timber and high-performance glass, ensuring both durability and environmental responsibility. Ground-level areas foster community engagement, while upper levels provide privacy and expansive views of green terraces.

Sustainability is fundamental throughout the project. The integration of green roofs and community gardens directly supports local biodiversity while providing residents with spaces for leisure and cultivation. The project also emphasizes energy efficiency through natural ventilation strategies and orientation that maximizes sunlight, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and heating.

Designing for flexibility is another critical aspect of "The Mesh." It accommodates varying residential needs, featuring units that appeal to individuals and families alike. The layout promotes communal living while allowing for personalization of spaces, ensuring that the architecture meets diverse lifestyle demands.

Unique to this project is its utilization of existing urban infrastructure to promote connectivity. The position along La Petite Ceinture is leveraged to create not just living units, but a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding urban landscape. The design enhances accessibility to public transportation while fostering community through shared spaces that encourage interaction.

In summary, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas of "The Mesh" will provide deeper insights into its innovative approach to urban housing, sustainability, and community building. The project represents a thoughtful response to contemporary urban challenges, merging functional design with ecological consciousness and social connectivity. For a comprehensive understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to delve into the presentation materials available for "The Mesh."

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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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