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Modular Housing Crafted with Bamboo Cladding and OSB for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Yuser Almutawa, Yasmeen Alkandari, - -, B -, - -
Modular Housing Crafted with Bamboo Cladding and OSB for Sustainable Urban Living
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Crafted from bamboo cladding and supported by a modular steel framework, this residential building in Kowloon enhances communal living through adaptable spaces and efficient cross-ventilation strategies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a modular layout to allow future reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
Incorporates extensive green roofs to enhance biodiversity and reduce urban heat.
03
Features a steel frame to support structural flexibility in a dense urban environment.
04
Utilizes passive cooling techniques through strategic window placement and shaded areas.
05
Integrates communal gardens to foster social interactions among residents.

## Overview

Situated at 18 Cornwall Street in Kowloon, Hong Kong, the JRB-Jenga Residence Building addresses the pressing demand for innovative urban housing solutions within a high-density environment. The design is rooted in sustainability, affordability, and functionality, utilizing a modular configuration reminiscent of Jenga blocks. This approach aims to create adaptable living spaces that cater to diverse communal needs while maximizing environmental performance.

## Spatial Strategy and Functional Layout

The interior organization of the JRB-Jenga Residence distinctly separates public and private areas. Public zones encompass a reception area, green spaces, a café, and facilities available for hire, fostering community interaction. In contrast, private zones consist of various residential unit configurations, including studio apartments, one-bedroom duplexes, and two-bedroom duplexes. This strategic zoning is intended to balance communal engagement with personal privacy, enhancing the overall living experience.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The building’s structural framework utilizes a steel frame system that ensures safety and enhances natural ventilation and daylight access. Key materials include oriented strand board (OSB) for wall insulation, which promotes energy efficiency, and aluminum and bamboo cladding that facilitate passive cooling by reducing heat retention. The glazing incorporates varying solar heat gain coefficients to optimize natural light while minimizing thermal gain. Noteworthy sustainability features include cross-ventilation systems and designated areas for bicycle parking, encouraging eco-friendly transport options. These elements collectively contribute to the project's commitment to low-carbon design and sustainable living practices.

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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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