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Residential Solution Emphasizing Cross-Laminated Timber and Smart Technology Integration in Urban Living

Authors:
Wang chun kieran Tse, Wai jong jonathan Siu, Gary ka chun Fung, Chenglin Zhu
Residential Solution Emphasizing Cross-Laminated Timber and Smart Technology Integration in Urban Living

Project in-detail

This architectural project reimagines urban living by combining modular residential spaces with cross-laminated timber construction and smart technology, creating a flexible community environment tailored to modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
- Employs a subscription-based living model that allows residents to customize their living arrangements without long-term commitments.
02
Integrates smart technology for real-time management of communal and private spaces, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural elements, promoting sustainability and reducing the building's carbon footprint.
04
Features adaptable shared spaces designed with a part density strategy to encourage community interaction while respecting individual privacy.
05
Incorporates green terraces that connect residents to nature, providing outdoor spaces within the urban environment.
The Polyvalent Living Cloud (PLIC) represents a progressive approach to addressing urban housing needs, particularly for the millennial demographic in London. This architectural project emphasizes customization, flexibility, and community engagement, reflecting contemporary lifestyles and societal shifts. The design fosters a sense of belonging while maintaining individual privacy, ultimately redefining what modern living can encompass in dense urban environments.

The primary function of PLIC is to provide adaptable living spaces that cater to diverse resident needs through a subscription-based model. This innovative concept allows inhabitants to configure their living arrangements according to their preferences, promoting a harmonious balance between personal space and communal interaction. The use of modular design principles enables quick reconfiguration, allowing units to evolve as residents’ circumstances and lifestyles change.

One of the project’s key features is its emphasis on materiality. PLIC incorporates sustainable materials such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), which offers structural strength while being environmentally responsible. Steel is employed strategically in the framing, ensuring durability and stability. Large expanses of glass are utilized to invite natural light and foster a sense of openness and transparency, while textured metal panels provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior that balances functionality and design.

The spatial organization of the PLIC is another important aspect that contributes to its overall vision. The project is designed with individual living quarters that prioritize privacy yet connect seamlessly to shared spaces, including kitchens, lounges, and co-working areas. This arrangement encourages social interactions without compromising the need for personal solitude. Additionally, green terraces cultivate a link to nature, enhancing the residents’ living experience by providing outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation.

A unique design approach within PLIC is its integration of technology into the living experience. Residents can use a dedicated app to manage their living space, including bookings for communal areas and access to essential services. This tech-savvy aspect not only streamlines daily living but also engages residents in a shared governance model, allowing them to participate actively in the maintenance and improvement of their community.

Another distinctive feature of PLIC is its focus on adaptability, achieved through a strategy termed ‘part density.’ This concept facilitates interactions among residents while ensuring that individual needs are met. Each modular component of the building can function independently yet contributes to a cohesive overall experience, making it a prime example of how architecture can respond intelligently to users' requirements.

As you explore the PLIC architectural presentation, you'll uncover more about its detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate how these unique ideas translate into tangible living spaces. This project highlights the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community within architecture, encouraging a deeper understanding of how such principles can inform future urban housing solutions. Discover the architectural ideas behind PLIC to see how this innovative project seeks to elevate urban living for its inhabitants while adapting to their ever-evolving needs.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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