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Honeycomb Housing with Glulam Timber and Integrated Green Spaces

Author:
Lucrezia Urso
Honeycomb Housing with Glulam Timber and Integrated Green Spaces
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Constructed with a honeycomb structure and glulam timber, the development incorporates rainwater harvesting and integrated green spaces, creating a sustainable solution for affordable housing in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular honeycomb design allows for easy reconfiguration of housing units.
02
Rainwater harvesting system enhances water efficiency for non-potable uses.
03
Integrated green spaces promote biodiversity and offer residents gardening opportunities.
04
Glulam timber provides structural strength while maintaining sustainability.
05
Passive ventilation system minimizes energy use for air circulation and comfort.

The design focuses on affordable housing in London, featuring a modular honeycomb structure that adapts to various urban environments. This approach effectively addresses the housing shortage while encouraging sustainable living. The concept emphasizes flexibility, allowing each unit to change configuration or location easily, making construction efficient and budget-friendly through offsite manufacturing.

Modularity and Flexibility

At the heart of the design is the idea of modularity. Each housing unit can be interchanged, allowing for diverse configurations without significant disruption. This flexibility not only streamlines the construction process but also caters to the varying needs of urban residents. The design shows that adapting to community requirements can create effective living spaces.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a key feature of the design, aligned with principles of Zero Carbon Housing. A rainwater harvesting system captures water from the roof, storing it for non-potable uses. This reduces waste and promotes conservation. The project also uses passive ventilation, drawing on natural wind and stack effects to provide fresh air to the living spaces. This approach minimizes the reliance on energy-intensive mechanical systems.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is integrated throughout the project. Photovoltaic and solar panel systems are part of the roofing design, supplying some of the electrical needs of the housing units. Solar thermal panels help meet hot water demands during peak usage. The use of thermal mass aids in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, as the compact design allows for effective heat storage.

Integration with Nature

Natural light is a priority within the design. The stepped arrangement of the units ensures that each space receives sufficient daylight, contributing to the overall well-being of the residents. Additionally, built-in flower beds and extended balconies invite greenery into each unit. This aspect not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a habitat for pollinators, fostering local biodiversity.

The structure relies on a timber-frame, utilizing glulam timber to ensure strength and sustainability. High-performance vapor-permeable breather membranes contribute to the building's airtightness, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort for occupants. This focus on practical materials and design methods results in a functional and responsive housing solution.

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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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