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Stacking Timber Units Emphasizing Outdoor Spaces and Community Interaction

Author:
Dana Shihabeddin
Stacking Timber Units Emphasizing Outdoor Spaces and Community Interaction
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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.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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