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Modular Living Spaces Composed of L-Shaped Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Author:
Diego josé Rodríguez viñas
Modular Living Spaces Composed of L-Shaped Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Employing an L-shaped modular design crafted from cross-laminated timber panels, this urban housing solution efficiently addresses the demand for affordable living spaces while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
L-shaped modules optimize space while promoting social interaction among residents.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Prefabricated construction methods reduce assembly time on site.
05
Ventilation gaps integrated into the design improve indoor air quality.

## Project Overview
Located in Milan, L-Abitare presents a thoughtful approach to affordable social housing. The design integrates functional living spaces within a modular L-shaped configuration, promoting both individual comfort and communal interactions among residents. This method aims to redefine urban living through adaptable housing solutions that address economic and spatial challenges in densely populated areas.

### Modular Configuration and Spatial Strategy
L-Abitare employs stackable modules that maximize the use of limited urban space. The L-shape design facilitates vertical stacking, allowing for efficient use of the site while creating opportunities for communal areas. Key features include ventilation gaps for natural airflow, which contribute to a comfortable indoor environment, and transparent elements that enhance connectivity with the surrounding outdoor space. This configuration supports a variety of residential units designed for different household sizes, ensuring that diverse community needs are met.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices for L-Abitare underline the project’s emphasis on durability and energy efficiency. Reinforced concrete offers structural integrity essential for the modular design, while aluminum windows and doors promote transparency and allow natural light to permeate the living spaces. Glass balustrades contribute to safety and visual continuity with the exterior environment. The potential use of sustainable facade cladding, such as composite materials for insulation, reflects the project's commitment to energy-conscious design and reduced environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.

### Design Solutions and User Experience
The residential offerings include two distinct types of apartments: Type A, a 100 m² unit tailored for families, and Type B, a 75 m² option suitable for smaller households. Both designs feature essential living areas, ensuring functional layouts that cater to varying demographics. The master plan details the arrangement of units to optimize circulation and accessibility, while the site plan stresses pedestrian-friendly environments. The dynamic elevation and sectional analysis reveal a thoughtful interplay of solid and void, providing shaded areas and outdoor spaces that enhance residents' quality of life within the urban context.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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