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Modular Housing Solutions for Urban Communities

Authors:
Reem Abdelaal, Rui Zhang
Modular Housing Solutions for Urban Communities
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Constructed with modular, prefabricated units, the design offers adaptable housing solutions that enhance community engagement while addressing the urgent need for affordable living spaces in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Prefabricated units allow for rapid assembly and lower construction costs.
02
Flexible configurations enable accommodation for different family sizes.
03
Standardized extension modules can be easily added for customization.
04
Multifunctional spaces support community interaction and service integration.
05
Focus on affordability ensures units remain accessible to low-income households.

The project addresses a significant challenge in Toronto: the growing need for affordable housing. Located primarily in the Bay Street Corridor, it seeks to provide housing options that are accessible to a wide range of residents. The goal is to create units that cost no more than 30% of a household's monthly income. The design concept revolves around modular housing solutions that prioritize adaptability and community connection, offering a practical response to pressing housing issues.

Modular Framework

A key feature of the design is a modular framework built from prefabricated units. These units consist of multiple panels that can be easily assembled, which helps reduce both construction time and costs. This system supports various configurations, allowing units to be connected together. This flexibility makes it possible to accommodate families of different sizes and adapt living spaces as needs change over time.

Community Integration

The design goes beyond providing simply residential units. It includes multifunctional spaces that support recreation, commerce, and care services. This approach promotes a lively community environment. By integrating such diverse functions, the project encourages social interaction among residents and aims to enhance their overall quality of life.

Personalization and Adaptability

Another important element is the potential for personalization within each modular panel. Households can modify their living spaces to better fit their individual needs. There are opportunities to add standardized extension modules, which allow families to expand their homes with additional rooms or dedicated office spaces. This adaptability ensures that units can respond effectively to the evolving demands of each household.

The emphasis in the design is on fostering a sense of belonging within the urban fabric. By balancing affordability, functionality, and community-friendly features, the outcome is a practical solution for Toronto's housing market. The interconnected nature of the units, along with their versatile design, provides enhanced living environments while promoting meaningful connections among residents and their surroundings.

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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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