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Rotating Modular Units with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhancing Urban Living

Authors:
Mehdi Gharibi, Shima Kheyri
Rotating Modular Units with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhancing Urban Living

Project in-detail

With rotating modular units crafted from cross-laminated timber panels, this architectural endeavor redefines urban living by offering flexible and sustainable housing solutions tailored to diverse community needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating modular units optimize sunlight exposure and natural ventilation.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while offering a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Flexible configurations allow residents to customize living spaces according to personal needs.
05
Integrated green spaces promote community interaction and ecological connectivity.
The architectural project "Turning Diversity," located in Toronto, Canada, explores new frontiers in urban living through an innovative modular design approach. This project aims to respond to the complexities of city life by providing adaptable living spaces that cater to a variety of lifestyles and needs, thereby fostering a sense of community and belonging among its residents.

This project represents a nuanced understanding of modern urbanism, where the pressures of population density and diverse lifestyles necessitate flexible and efficient housing solutions. The architecture embodies the blend of individuality and community-focused living, ensuring that each inhabitant can tailor their space according to personal preferences while still engaging with a larger communal environment. The overall function of the project not only aims to house individuals and families but also aspires to create social networks among residents, connecting people of varying backgrounds and experiences in a shared space.

Central to the design are modular living units, which can be easily configured and modified. This modularity facilitates a customizable living experience, allowing residents to interconnect units and create varied spatial arrangements. The project’s architecture includes portable units that stand as self-contained living spaces, making them suitable for both single occupants and larger families. This flexibility is essential in urban areas like Toronto, where diverse demographics and housing needs clash.

A significant feature of "Turning Diversity" is its responsiveness to environmental factors. The design incorporates twisting units that utilize technology to rotate and adjust, maximizing sunlight penetration and promoting natural airflow. This adaptive strategy enhances energy efficiency, making the homes naturally comfortable and reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling. The thoughtful integration of large glazing systems not only enhances residents’ connection to the outdoors but also illuminates the interior with natural light, which is known to positively impact mental well-being.

Material selection is also key to the project's identity. Timber panels serve as the primary construction material and contribute to the project’s ecological credentials. Timber is not only a sustainable option but also adds warmth and texture to the living spaces. In conjunction with the steel frameworks that provide structural integrity, the chosen materials allow flexibility in design while ensuring durability and safety.

The incorporation of communal areas, including green spaces and shared amenities, further adds to the social aspect of the project. These spaces encourage interaction among residents and help create a network of support and cooperation, enhancing the overall living experience. By fostering these connections, the architecture seeks to mitigate the isolation often experienced in urban settings.

Unique to this project is the way it reimagines the conventional approach to residential architecture. It prioritizes flexibility, sustainability, and personal agency without compromising the importance of community. This design not only addresses current urban challenges but also sets a precedent for future developments aimed at enriching the lives of urban dwellers.

For those interested in an in-depth exploration of the architectural designs and plans in this innovative project, reviewing the architectural sections and overall design elements of "Turning Diversity" will provide valuable insights into its thoughtful construction and functional intentions. Engaging with the detailed presentations of the project can offer a closer look at how these architectural ideas come together, shaping a modern vision for urban living.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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