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Hydroponic Farming and Cross-Laminated Timber Unite in Affordable Housing Community

Authors:
Kaavya Chhatrapati, Rika Takashima
Hydroponic Farming and Cross-Laminated Timber Unite in Affordable Housing Community
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A hydroponic farm situated on the second floor and cross-laminated timber construction are key features of this affordable housing complex designed to enhance community interaction and self-sufficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance sustainability and reduce construction costs.
02
A dedicated hydroponic farm provides residents with fresh produce.
03
Daycare facilities are integrated on multiple levels for family convenience.
04
An elevated ground floor creates shaded communal areas for social interaction.
05
Design includes inviting corridors that encourage community engagement.

SCOOP Melbourne is a modular housing project designed to meet the growing need for affordable living options in urban areas. Located in a dynamic city environment, the design focuses on community interaction by utilizing a grid-like layout that encourages residents to connect with one another. The aim is to create a welcoming space that serves the diverse needs of its inhabitants while providing practical solutions for modern living.

Design Features

The architecture includes flexible orientation, allowing it to adapt to various site conditions without losing its essence. Each housing unit is configured as a compact 15' by 20' square, featuring an inviting scooped shape that softens exterior angles. This design choice enhances accessibility and creates inviting communal corridors, encouraging gatherings and interactions that are vital to building a sense of community.



Integrated Amenities

Daycare facilities are thoughtfully integrated into the multi-level design, addressing family needs directly within the housing complex. By placing these amenities close to living spaces, the design ensures that parents have easy access to care for their children, reducing daily stress. This focus on practicality shows a commitment to supporting families in their everyday lives.



Urban Farming and Sustainability

A defining feature of SCOOP Melbourne is the elevated ground floor, which allows for shaded communal areas and incorporates a farmer's market. This market serves as a source of fresh produce grown within the building and generates revenue to support additional affordable housing units. On the second floor, hydroponic farming promotes self-sufficiency by allowing residents to grow a portion of their food, addressing concerns over food security and sustainability in urban communities.



Childcare Facilities

The third floor is dedicated to childcare services, which enhances the overall appeal for families. This inclusion makes it easier for residents to balance work and home life without the added pressure of finding childcare elsewhere. By integrating such essential services, the design contributes to an improved quality of life for all residents.



The project employs CLT, or cross-laminated timber, for wall panels, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices. This choice of material supports mass production while keeping construction costs manageable. The design culminates in an inviting communal corridor, encouraging residents to engage with one another and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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