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Floating Community Resiliently Crafted with Modular Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
Luis Alejandro Morales Mendoza, Patricio Andrés Zamora Montes, Leandro Leonel Quilodrán Mendoza
Floating Community Resiliently Crafted with Modular Cross-Laminated Timber Panels
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Crafted from modular cross-laminated timber panels, the floating community integrates sustainable living with marine resilience, addressing urban housing needs while promoting social interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from modular cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes space and aesthetics.
04
Engineered to adapt to rising sea levels with buoyant foundations.
05
Promotes community interaction through strategically designed shared spaces.

The architectural project focuses on a floating city designed to address the housing crisis in San Francisco. This innovative approach utilizes the water's surface to create a new urban environment, accommodating affordable housing and communal spaces. The design responds to challenges such as land scarcity and climate change, aiming to provide sustainable living options for diverse populations. The architecture not only serves a residential purpose but also promotes social interaction and community building, integrating recreational areas and public amenities seamlessly into the overall layout.

Unique Design Approaches and Housing Flexibility

This project distinguishes itself from conventional housing developments through its modular floating structures. The design incorporates adaptable residential units that accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles. The use of materials such as concrete, expanded polystyrene, timber, and glass ensures durability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal while enhancing the project's ability to float and withstand environmental challenges. The incorporation of solar panels aligns with contemporary energy efficiency standards, making the project environmentally responsive.

The architectural design emphasizes community engagement by featuring public realms like parks and communal gathering spots. This encourages interaction among residents while promoting a sense of belonging. The spatial organization prioritizes accessibility and mobility, bringing in design elements such as transport connectivity to the mainland.

Environmental Integration and Resilience

The project contains significant attention to environmental considerations, with a focus on minimizing ecological impact. The floating city design allows for adaptive responses to rising sea levels and flooding, offering resilient living solutions amid climate uncertainties. The architecture reflects a commitment to integrating with marine ecosystems, ensuring that the built environment enhances rather than disrupts natural habitats.

To explore more about the architectural plans, designs, and sections of this floating city concept, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentations. These insights will provide a comprehensive understanding of how this design reflects contemporary architectural ideas while addressing pressing housing needs.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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