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Mass Timber Panels and Flexible Spaces in Modular Urban Living

Authors:
Victoria Fedorova, Christos Trompoukis, Ziying Zeng
Mass Timber Panels and Flexible Spaces in Modular Urban Living

Project in-detail

With interlocking mass timber panels that enable flexibility and communal engagement, the design addresses Toronto's housing challenges through a modular approach to urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking mass timber panels allow for easy reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
A user interface empowers residents to customize their apartment layouts.
03
Voxels create a structured spatial grid for efficient planning and organization.
04
Design for Disassembly enables future modifications without significant waste.
05
Multiple cores enhance circulation and accessibility to shared community spaces.

The design addresses the housing needs in Toronto by exploring new ways of creating residential spaces. It merges modular construction with a participatory approach, allowing residents to play a role in shaping their homes. This focus on flexibility and customization meets the demands of urban living today, integrating contemporary technology and sustainable methods into the design.

Modularity and Flexibility

The project is built on a system of interlocking panels that act as both structural components and adaptable walls. This modular setup provides residents with the ability to reconfigure their living spaces as needed. A user interface is included in the design, allowing people to interact with the modular elements, which enhances the customization of their homes. This approach makes each space unique and tailored to individual preferences.

Spatial Organization and Community

Thoughtful planning defines the buildable space while considering local environmental conditions, such as sunlight and views. The design uses voxels to create a grid system that helps organize the space in a logical manner. Circulation within the building is managed through multiple cores, ensuring easy access to common areas. This arrangement promotes a sense of community among residents and encourages social interaction.

Sustainability and Design for Disassembly

Sustainability is an important focus, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly building practices. While specific materials are not detailed, the design highlights the use of mass timber, which supports sustainable construction. The project also incorporates Design for Disassembly, allowing walls to be easily reconfigured for future needs. This flexibility ensures that the residential units can adapt over time without significant material waste.

The integration of these ideas fosters a living environment that balances community interaction with personal choice. Each unit accommodates diverse lifestyles while also providing shared spaces that encourage connections among residents. This thoughtful design creates a residential atmosphere that is both functional and inviting, contributing positively to urban life.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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