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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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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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