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Spiral Housing Integrated with Laminated Wood and Green Terraces

Authors:
Floran Xhelili, Faton Bilalli, Besim Mullaliu, Edin Deari
Spiral Housing Integrated with Laminated Wood and Green Terraces
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Constructed with modular voxel units and characterized by a spiral layout that incorporates green terraces, this residential tower redefines urban living by promoting community interaction and environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using prefabricated voxel units for efficient assembly and customization.
02
Features ample green terraces to enhance residents' connection to nature within an urban setting.
03
Incorporates a spiral layout to optimize airflow and natural light distribution throughout the building.
04
Utilizes laminated wood for structural components to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
05
Designed to facilitate community interaction through communal spaces integrated into the overall layout.

### Overview

The Voxel Tower is situated within a dynamic urban landscape, designed to address contemporary challenges of high-density living. The project intends to create not just residential spaces, but also environments that encourage community interaction and prioritize environmental sustainability. This approach reflects an understanding of the complexities associated with modern urbanization.

### Spatial Strategy

A key characteristic of the Voxel Tower is its modular design, characterized by prefabricated voxel units (3x3x3 cubes) that allow for flexible spatial arrangements. This modular approach facilitates customization of living spaces to meet the diverse needs of residents. The tower features a spiral climbing design that promotes fluid movement throughout the structure while enhancing aerodynamics and fostering a sense of connection to communal areas. Additionally, strategically placed green terraces serve to reconnect residents with nature, providing communal spaces for relaxation and gardening.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material palette for the Voxel Tower is designed to support its functional and ecological goals. Wood serves as the primary material for the voxel units, employing laminated wood and thermal insulation panels to enhance durability and energy efficiency. Steel is utilized in the structural framework, allowing for greater height and expansive interior spaces while ensuring safety and stability. Glass elements are incorporated to maximize natural light and provide views of the surrounding urban context. Collectively, these materials contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and support the project's sustainability objectives, positioning the Voxel Tower as a contemporary model for responsible urban architecture.

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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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