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Cross-Laminated Timber Units That Foster Community Through Flexible Urban Design

Author:
Umut Aslan
Cross-Laminated Timber Units That Foster Community Through Flexible Urban Design

Project in-detail

Employing cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency, the design evolves around a central courtyard that promotes community interaction, offering flexible living spaces aimed at sustainable urban habitation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a central courtyard designed for communal activities and urban agriculture.
04
Adapts modular housing units to accommodate changing community needs easily.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.

## Architectural Design Report: CO-LOOP Settlement Project

### Overview
Located within a community-focused context, the CO-LOOP project aims to establish a modular settlement that aligns with contemporary needs for sustainable living. It integrates individual dwelling units with communal spaces, promoting engagement and environmental stewardship. The central design framework revolves around modular houses, each approximately 25 m², arranged in a looping configuration that allows for dynamic adaptations in response to community requirements.

### Spatial Configurations
The organization of the settlement emphasizes both community interaction and privacy. Unit entrances are strategically positioned to open towards a central courtyard, enhancing social connectivity while maintaining individual privacy. This courtyard serves as a multifunctional space for recreation, agriculture, and social gatherings, thereby reinforcing communal ties. The layout fosters a range of activities—from gardening to leisure—creating a holistic living environment. Each unit is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, with essential facilities efficiently distributed across two levels, ensuring an effective use of space and promoting energy efficiency.

### Material Considerations
The material selection for the CO-LOOP project focuses on sustainability and environmental impact. Recycled and locally sourced materials are prioritized to minimize carbon emissions. Key components include Kingspan QuadCore LEC Roof Panels for energy efficiency, CLT and CLS timber for structural integrity, and Polystyrene insulation for thermal efficiency. The use of plywood panels provides aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability. Additionally, a Kingspan rainwater harvesting system supports water management needs alongside fiberglass and polycarbonate panels that enhance natural lighting. This thoughtful materiality enhances both the ecological credentials and the durability of the settlement.

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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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