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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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