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Flexible Living Spaces with Cross-Laminated Wood and Utility-Driven Design

Author:
Miha Rijavec
Flexible Living Spaces with Cross-Laminated Wood and Utility-Driven Design
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Constructed with cross-laminated wood elements, this flexible housing solution features a modular layout centered around utility points, providing adaptable living spaces for diverse urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with cross-laminated wood elements for sustainability.
02
Integrates modular layouts that accommodate changing resident needs.
03
Features a grid system that allows rapid on-site assembly.
04
Utilizes utility points for efficient plumbing and mechanical access.
05
Offers various apartment configurations to support diverse living arrangements.

The Green Puzzle is a thoughtful solution aimed at affordable housing in Toronto. It exists in a city where the need for better living options is growing. The design incorporates a modular approach, allowing it to cater to individuals, couples, and families. A notable feature is its grid structure made from cross-laminated elements, which emphasizes flexibility and effective space use.

Modular Construction

The design employs a grid system of cross-laminated structural elements. This method supports the quick assembly of housing units. By removing traditional corridors, the layout creates a spacious and open environment within each apartment. Such an arrangement not only maximizes usable space but also makes the homes feel larger and more inviting.

Spatial Organization

Each unit centers around fixed utility points, such as kitchens and bathrooms, which streamline plumbing and mechanical setups. This design enhances the functionality of the apartments. The modular nature allows for different living arrangements to be easily created, accommodating changing needs over time. This adaptability makes it practical for a diverse range of residents.

Sustainability Features

Wood is the primary material used in the Green Puzzle. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and responsible building practices. Using wood reduces the environmental impact associated with construction. Additionally, its capacity for prefabrication speeds up the building process. This aligns with current goals for environmentally friendly development.

Design Diversity

The structure's design allows for various apartment configurations, serving single individuals, couples, or larger families. The flexibility enables larger apartments to be divided or smaller units combined, responding to the dynamic needs of urban living. This thoughtful approach fosters community, offering varied living options within a single project.

The Green Puzzle merges modular design and sustainability in a way that addresses contemporary housing needs. The result is a functional living space that adapts to the changing lifestyles of its residents while promoting an efficient and environmentally aware approach to urban living.

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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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