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Paper-Like Volumes Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and Living Facades for Multifunctional Urban Spaces

Paper-Like Volumes Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and Living Facades for Multifunctional Urban Spaces
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber and defined by its paper-like volumes, this mixed-use development integrates living facades to enhance urban ecology while fostering community interaction through adaptable spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Includes living facades to promote local biodiversity and urban greening.
05
Provides flexible, multifunctional spaces tailored to community needs and activities.

## Project Overview

"Split by Self" is situated in Riley Square, Coventry, England, with an intent to revitalize the area by blending historical context with contemporary design principles. The project promotes ecological sustainability while responding to the evolving needs of the community. It focuses on creating a mixed-use environment that integrates residential and commercial spaces, aiming to enhance socio-economic interactions within the urban fabric.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The design features distinct "paper-like" structural elements that evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity, reflecting the area’s historical narrative through a modern lens. The utilization of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for structural cores facilitates efficient space partitioning, while high-performance glass facades minimize solar gain and enhance the building’s aesthetic qualities. Timber cladding adds warmth and visual interest, drawing from historical layering, while living facades with integrated green walls support biodiversity and improve air quality.

### Community-Centric Spatial Layout

The layout prioritizes interaction, with public spaces on lower floors designated for community events, workshops, and co-working initiatives. This flexible arrangement accommodates diverse activities, fostering collaboration and engagement among users. Vertical circulation is enhanced through strategically placed open staircases, promoting transparency and connection across different levels, allowing for casual encounters and encouraging a sense of community.

Incorporating green roofs, energy-efficient features such as triple-glazed windows and CLT louvre panels, and natural ventilation strategies, the design addresses sustainability holistically. The project serves not only as a functional space but also as a reference to the site's historical significance, embodying a contemporary response to urban needs.

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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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