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Elevated Garden Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber Design

Authors:
Hongyuan Lu, Xiaoqi Zou
Elevated Garden Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber Design
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A garden in the sky complements cross-laminated timber structure and landscape-inspired design, fostering community engagement in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aerial garden space enhances urban living.
02
Cross-laminated timber supports sustainable design.
03
Charred wood finishes reduce maintenance needs.
04
Bent A-frame structure maximizes natural light.
05
Integration of landscape painting concepts in design.

The design focuses on the significant role of wood in architecture, reflecting its importance in traditional Chinese building practices. It is set in an environment where modern needs meet historical significance. The approach seeks to create a strong connection between the buildings and their natural surroundings. The main concept is “an architecture towards shanshui,” which combines elements of traditional Chinese landscape painting with contemporary architectural ideas.

Architectural Concept

The design employs the “Picturesque view method.” This approach examines how spatial design can engage with both visual and physical experiences. By relating natural elements to built forms, the concept encourages users to interact meaningfully with the space. This blending of ideas enhances the way individuals experience their surroundings, drawing them into the beauty of both architecture and nature.

Materials Utilization

Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, is a primary material used in the construction. It offers structural benefits similar to concrete and steel while being more environmentally friendly. CLT is a renewable resource, making it a suitable choice for modern sustainable practices. This material allows for expressive design possibilities, contributing to the creation of spaces that are practical and visually appealing.

Spatial Dynamics

The layout includes a thoughtful arrangement of pathways and connections that facilitate interaction among users. Careful sightline management enhances the overall spatial experience, enabling moments of pause and reflection. The design integrates grilles and screens, which serve practical purposes such as providing privacy and reducing noise. These elements also help control light, allowing the space to adapt to various conditions throughout the day.

A notable feature is the garden found on the upper levels. This green space offers a retreat above the bustling environment below. It emphasizes a connection to nature, allowing inhabitants to enjoy a natural setting in an urban landscape. This combination of green and built spaces highlights a broader commitment to incorporating nature into everyday life.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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

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