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Generative Clustering in Cohousing with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Wood

Author:
Nichita Bengea
Generative Clustering in Cohousing with Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Wood
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber, this cohousing initiative employs generative clustering to create adaptable living environments, seamlessly integrating private and communal spaces in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates a generative clustering layout for flexible living.
03
Features private rooms that connect easily to communal spaces.
04
Includes winter gardens to enhance resident well-being.
05
Designed with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

The design presents an innovative cohousing concept that redefines community living. Located in an urban setting, it integrates both private and communal spaces to support social interaction while allowing for personal privacy. Hexagonal forms are used as the main structural element, emphasizing efficiency and stability in modular configurations. These shapes create an adaptable environment that meets the diverse needs of its residents, promoting a balance between shared living and individual space.

Structural Geometry

The hexagonal shape is foundational for the spatial layout, offering stability without the need for extra supports. This geometry efficiently utilizes space, helping units connect easily with one another. The design fosters resident interaction, while also allowing for private areas, creating a living space where engagement happens naturally.

Spatial Interconnectivity

The layout adopts a generative clustering method that features overlapping modules. Private rooms can open into communal spaces, encouraging residents to share their living areas and interact more. This setup invites social connections while still respecting each person's need for privacy. The result is a home where private and public areas blend thoughtfully together.

Common Areas

Another important aspect of the design is the focus on communal spaces. Areas designed for cooking, dining, and various activities are integrated throughout, fostering collaboration among residents. The inclusion of winter gardens and outdoor spaces provides access to nature, enhancing overall well-being. Such features create environments where relationships can grow while also promoting individual health within the urban landscape.

Material Efficiency

Cross-laminated timber panels are used in construction, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices. This material is recognized for its strength and thermal efficiency, which suits the modular design well. It also aligns with an emphasis on eco-friendly solutions, enhancing the building's overall performance and environmental impact.

The design incorporates flexible spaces, allowing residents to adjust their environments based on changing needs, supporting both communal and personal activities. This adaptability enhances the living experience and encourages a sense of community among the inhabitants.

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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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