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L-Shaped Living Units with Efficient Wood Frame Construction

Author:
Labinot Morina
L-Shaped Living Units with Efficient Wood Frame Construction
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Comprising modular, L-shaped living units constructed from prefabricated wooden frames, the design efficiently accommodates diverse family needs while promoting future expansion.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed with a base module of 3.6 meters for easy customization.
02
The L-shaped configuration promotes optimal space utilization and flexibility for future expansion.
03
Prefabricated wooden frame systems enable rapid construction and efficient assembly.
04
Family-oriented layouts allow for clear separation between private and communal areas.
05
The design emphasizes adaptability to meet various household sizes and evolving needs.

The modular design is located in an urban area where there is a pressing need for adaptable living solutions. Focused on efficiency, it employs a base module of 13.6 m² to create a variety of dynamic living spaces. The project aims to provide functional areas for families, incorporating private living rooms, bedrooms, utility rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The systematic approach of the design ensures that space is utilized effectively, while also addressing the changing needs of residents.

Design Framework

The project relies on a base module of 3.6 meters to define the essential private areas. An L-shaped configuration enables maximum potential for expansion, inviting the addition of more modules as family sizes change. For instance, adding one module creates space suitable for a family with one child, while two modules accommodate larger families or setups for single parents. This flexible design addresses various living conditions effectively.

Material Choice

Prefabricated wooden frame systems are chosen for their quick construction capabilities. Such materials speed up the building process, which is important in urban settings where time is of the essence. The modular units can be flat-packed, simplifying transport and reducing the time required for assembly on-site. By adhering to the principle of “Practical simplicity,” the design uses a limited set of wall and slab modules, which ensures it can be tailored to a family’s specific needs.

Spatial Organization

The layout of living spaces offers clear separation between private and communal areas. This thoughtful arrangement promotes interaction among residents while preserving essential privacy. Each unit is designed to allow for both individual activities and shared experiences, an important aspect in densely populated neighborhoods. The organization of these spaces maximizes functionality, considering where and how people want to live.

Each module integrates necessary amenities in an efficient manner. This promotes comfort and convenience and allows residents to move easily from one activity to another. The design aims to cater to everyday life, balancing practicality with a sense of home.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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