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Elevated Living with CLT and Sustainable Rainwater Solutions

Authors:
Vasos Sokratous, Christodoulos Iosif
Elevated Living with CLT and Sustainable Rainwater Solutions
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Combining elevated living structures with cross-laminated timber and integrated rainwater systems, this design offers compact housing tailored for young adults in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each housing unit features a modular design with two interconnected cubes for flexible living arrangements.
02
Elevated platforms are used to reduce ground impact and humidity issues.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems enhance sustainability.
04
The design includes dedicated sanitizing stations at entrances for health and safety.
05
Provisions for pet ownership accommodate a community-oriented lifestyle.

The 2CUBE project in Limassol, Cyprus, offers a fresh approach to housing, specifically designed for young adults facing financial difficulties. The design responds to the pressing demand for affordable living spaces in an area where high costs and economic challenges make independent living hard to achieve. The concept revolves around two connected cubes, aimed at maximizing space and providing flexible living options for residents.

Modularity and Functionality

Each cube measures twelve square meters and is linked by a narrow corridor. This clever arrangement allows for different uses within a compact footprint. Residents can choose various layouts to create distinct areas for living, working, cooking, and sleeping. By dividing these sections, the design enhances the overall utility of the space and meets the varied needs of its users in a bustling urban setting.

Sustainability Features

A focus on sustainability runs through the entire design. Elevated platforms are used to reduce ground disturbance and help with humidity control. Prefabricated CLT wood panels are chosen to keep construction efficient while aligning with environmental standards. Along with this, the project includes rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, which are essential in a region facing water shortages. These features demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact while providing practical solutions.

Health and Safety Considerations

Health and safety play key roles in the design approach. Each unit is equipped with sanitizing stations at the entrance, addressing hygiene concerns that have become increasingly important in recent times. The layout also separates indoor areas with a dedicated hallway, allowing for personal space and comfort. This attention to safety ensures that residents can feel secure in their homes.

Access and Community Integration

The project's location is strategically chosen, close to business districts and essential services. This gives residents quick access to job opportunities and amenities. Additional features, such as spaces for pets and designated parking, support a sense of community while encouraging sustainable transportation methods.

Every aspect of design incorporates solutions that enable easy adjustment, aiming to make small spaces functional and personal. The focus is not just on shelter; it’s about creating a livable, supportive environment for young individuals starting their journey in an urban lifestyle.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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