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Rooftop Living with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Design Solutions

Rooftop Living with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Design Solutions
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels, this rooftop development integrates modular microhomes that enhance urban density while providing sustainable living solutions in a compact format.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural and aesthetic efficiency.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Modular units are prefabricated off-site for quick and precise assembly.
05
Focuses on urban rooftop spaces to maximize existing infrastructure and minimize urban sprawl.

## Project Overview
"Live On Top" introduces a strategic housing solution that targets the growing demand for affordable living spaces in dense urban centers, specifically in cities like Berlin and New York. Leveraging underutilized rooftop spaces atop existing high-rise buildings, this initiative aims to create modular prefabricated microhomes that provide efficient housing options while mitigating environmental impact and minimizing disruption to the urban landscape.

### Sustainable Integration and Impact
The project emphasizes sustainability through the adaptive reuse of infrastructure, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with new construction. It promotes ongoing maintenance contributions from occupants to support the integrity of the host buildings, thereby fostering a sense of community ownership. By optimizing rooftop spaces, "Live On Top" not only enhances urban density but also curtails the need for new developments on greenfield sites, helping to protect natural landscapes.

### Material Selection and Design Features
The structural framework of the microhomes is built using modern materials, including Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Kingspan insulation systems, which ensure energy efficiency and durability. Each unit features compact, multifunctional living areas that maximize space through intelligent design elements such as smart storage solutions and foldable furniture. Aesthetically, the facade incorporates contemporary design principles that harmonize with the urban surroundings, utilizing distinct colors and angles for visual appeal. Additional features such as integrated photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems enhance the ecological footprint of the project while improving the overall living experience for 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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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