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Modular Living Spaces with Steel Framework and Timber Cladding Designing Community Integration

Authors:
Tom Vincent, Gina Andreou, Manuel Urbina, Ben Hawkins
Modular Living Spaces with Steel Framework and Timber Cladding Designing Community Integration
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The pixelated design of stacked modular units, constructed with a steel framework and adorned with timber cladding, creates adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction in a high-density urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be easily reconfigured to adapt to changing resident needs.
02
The design incorporates communal areas that promote social interaction among residents.
03
A steel framework provides structural support while maximizing air circulation.
04
Timber cladding enhances aesthetic appeal and improves insulation properties.
05
The project emphasizes vertical living to optimize land use in a dense urban setting.

## Project Overview

Located in the densely populated context of Hong Kong, the design focuses on addressing the critical housing shortage through modular living spaces known as "Pixel Towers." This concept not only takes advantage of the city’s vertical growth capacity but also aims to foster social interactions within a limited urban setting. By offering adaptable and flexible housing solutions, the project aligns with contemporary needs for affordable accommodation.

## Spatial Strategy and User Connectivity

The design employs a skeletal steel framework based on a 10m x 10m footprint, which maximizes occupancy and promotes versatile land use. The modular arrangement allows for individual living units to be stacked and altered as required, facilitating a customized approach to urban living. The spatial configuration distinctly separates public and private areas, ensuring that communal spaces for social events are strategically integrated at various levels, thereby encouraging interaction among residents. Units vary in size from 32 to 70 square meters, accommodating diverse family structures and individual needs.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

A focus on sustainability and aesthetics informs the choice of materials throughout the project. The primary structural element is steel, chosen for its strength and ability to support adequate air circulation in humid conditions. Timbers are used for aesthetic enhancement and environmental insulation, while tiled and carpeted interiors prioritize comfort and practicality. The construction process emphasizes pre-fabrication, which streamlines assembly and reduces on-site disruption, all while promoting efficient use of resources and ensuring consistent quality across units.

The project also aims to integrate with the existing urban landscape, enhancing connectivity to public transport and green spaces, ultimately encouraging sustainable lifestyles among residents.

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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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