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High Ceilings and Cross Laminated Timber Create Compact Living Solutions

Author:
Rohisha Maharjan
High Ceilings and Cross Laminated Timber Create Compact Living Solutions
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Using Cross Laminated Timber and high ceilings, the design creates an efficient compact living space that seamlessly integrates private and public areas for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Compact design integrates hidden storage for multifunctionality.
02
High slanted ceilings enhance spatial perception and light flow.
03
Cross Laminated Timber construction supports sustainability goals.
04
Elevated kitchen platform allows for efficient use of space.
05
Rainwater and grey water systems promote off-grid living.

The project presents a housing solution that prioritizes clarity and functionality. Located in an urban environment, it aims to create essential living areas that address basic human needs, such as eating, sleeping, and socializing. The design fosters a sense of space, ensuring that living areas feel both compact and open. It is a thoughtful response to the demands of modern living.

Layout and Spatial Organization

The structure is carefully organized into private and public areas. The private section includes a bedroom, while the public spaces are made up of a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. This layout enhances privacy while allowing for social interaction. An entryway serves as a buffer, clearly separating these two domains and facilitating movement throughout the house.

Kitchens and Multifunctionality

The kitchen features an elevated platform that adds visual interest and provides necessary storage solutions. This clever design houses hidden beds and essential utilities, such as batteries and wires, optimizing space use. The living area exemplifies multifunctionality, easily converting into a guest room by incorporating a hidden bed that connects to the sofa or dining area.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is central to the design. A solar panel system meets the energy needs of the home, indicating a commitment to environmental responsibility. The integration of a rainwater collection system, grey water collection, and a composting toilet allows the house to operate independently of traditional municipal services, highlighting its off-grid capabilities.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Materials play an important role in the overall design. The structure is built using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), which provides both sustainability and strength. The exterior is clad with lightweight prefab concrete panels, which enhance the contemporary appearance of the building.

High slanted ceilings create an open feel, while large windows allow natural light to fill the interior. This design connection with the outside environment fosters a bright and inviting atmosphere, reflecting an integration of comfort and practicality in daily living.

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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