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Hexagonal Living Units with Expansive Natural Light and Adaptive Space Options

Authors:
James Arteaga, Ingrid Garcia, Tatiana Ospina, Camilo Quintero
Hexagonal Living Units with Expansive Natural Light and Adaptive Space Options
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The hexagonal layout of these residential units maximizes natural light and adaptability, allowing for future expansions while providing essential living spaces in a compact urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a hexagonal configuration to optimize living space and natural light.
02
Each unit is built with modular components, allowing for future expansion as needs change.
03
Openings-to-below areas enhance air circulation and light distribution throughout the interiors.
04
The layout accommodates various family types, promoting affordable urban living.
05
Strategically placed angled walls create dynamic visual relationships within the space.

The Honeycomb is a residential development located in Toronto that addresses modern housing needs through an innovative design. Its hexagonal shape not only maximizes living area but also allows for better natural light throughout the space. A focus on modular and incremental construction makes it adaptable to various urban contexts and suitable for different types of families.

Spatial Configuration

The units consist of two-storey structures, with the first floor dedicated to essential living spaces, including a living room, dining area, kitchen, and full bathroom. This setup creates an open flow that encourages interaction among family members. The second floor has a bedroom and a balcony, designed with the option for homeowners to expand their space in the future as their needs evolve.

Design Features

Incorporating openings-to-below areas enhances light distribution and promotes air circulation, making the interiors feel bright and comfortable. The angled walls and carefully placed windows not only improve the aesthetic appeal but also increase access to natural light. These design decisions ensure that each unit provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents.

Site Adaptability

Two distinct sites highlight the project’s adaptable nature. The Honeycomb on Queen functions as an infill development with nine units and one commercial space on a busy street, responding to the needs of urban living. On the other hand, the Honeycomb on Cunningham features a larger lot with fifty-six units and ten semi-covered open-space terraces, situated on a quieter residential street. This variety demonstrates the design's ability to fit within different urban environments.

Affordability and Incremental Growth

Affordability plays a crucial role in the design philosophy, creating opportunities for diverse family types to enter the housing market in Toronto. The incremental construction model allows residents to expand their living spaces over time, adapting to changing financial situations. This approach addresses the challenges posed by rising housing costs, making the project relevant to today’s housing landscape.

The design stands out with its angled walls and windows that frame views and bring in sunlight, creating a warm living environment. Each unit connects residents to their surroundings while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort.

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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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