Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Stacking Timber Units Emphasizing Outdoor Spaces and Community Interaction

Author:
Dana Shihabeddin
Stacking Timber Units Emphasizing Outdoor Spaces and Community Interaction
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing a stacking boxes approach, the design incorporates wood rainscreen and brick veneer materials to create a community-centered multi-family dwelling that emphasizes private outdoor spaces and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a stacking boxes approach to optimize space efficiency.
02
Incorporates wood rainscreen and brick veneer for a modern aesthetic.
03
Features private outdoor spaces for each unit, enhancing livability.
04
Includes a public plaza to foster community interaction.
05
Designed to maximize natural light through strategic unit orientation.

The design presents a multi-family dwelling located in a bustling urban area, responding to the critical need for affordable housing. The overall concept centers around pre-fabricated Cross-laminated Timber (CLT), chosen for its efficiency and sustainability. The building features a stacking boxes approach, allowing for flexible unit sizes and optimizing available space in a compact environment.

Spatial Configuration

The layout includes a range of residential options, such as three-bedroom, two-bedroom, and one-bedroom units. This variety accommodates different household types, from larger families to individuals or couples looking for smaller spaces. The stacking boxes design maximizes usable areas, enhancing livability while providing functional spaces for everyday activities.

Community Engagement

Designing communal spaces is a key element, fostering interaction among residents. A public plaza serves as an accessible open area, encouraging socializing and connections. Retail spaces included within the complex provide convenience, making it easier for residents to access services and amenities without needing to leave the proximity of their homes.

Natural Elements

The project prioritizes outdoor spaces by incorporating private areas for each unit. These spaces promote outdoor living and help create a balance between built and natural environments. The design also facilitates ample natural light and ventilation through careful orientation, improving the overall atmosphere within the living spaces.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials includes wood rainscreen siding, brick veneer siding, glass block, and anodized aluminum framing. These materials not only offer a contemporary appearance but also ensure durability and low maintenance. Each element is selected to support the overall vision of a modern, functional living environment.

Attention to both shared and private spaces results in a living environment that is both practical and inviting. The design ultimately reflects an understanding of urban life, creating comfortable homes within the complexities of a city.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy