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Step Layout Harmonizes Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Living

Author:
Helmuts Nežborts
Step Layout Harmonizes Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Living
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Utilizing a step layout and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates sustainable features like a solar chimney and rain collector to create efficient micro living spaces in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a step layout to optimize ceiling heights and spatial flow.
02
Incorporates a greenhouse that serves as a rain collector.
03
Features a façade acting as a solar chimney for passive heating.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for enhanced sustainability.
05
Designed for modularity, allowing future reconfiguration of units.

A thoughtful exploration of micro housing emerges in a dense urban setting. The design concept centers on creating vertical living spaces that maximize utility. By minimizing the overall footprint of the building, the structure introduces a new model for urban living. It enhances views and natural light while ensuring comfort and privacy for residents.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a step-like arrangement that allows for optimized ceiling heights across various functional areas. These spaces include a living room, kitchen, bedroom area, greenhouse, working space, and bathroom. This organization facilitates movement between areas and promotes both personal and communal interactions. The result is a living environment that supports the diverse needs of urban dwellers.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light plays a significant role in the design. Windows are strategically placed to allow daylight from multiple directions. This not only uplifts the interior atmosphere but also improves energy efficiency. A natural ventilation system is incorporated, enabling air to move upward through roof hatches while fresh air enters at ground level. This effective airflow supports a healthier living space.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability serves as a guiding principle. The façade operates as a solar chimney, helping with passive heating during colder months. A rain collection system is cleverly integrated within the greenhouse, using the vertical structure to facilitate water flow without the need for mechanical pumps. Cross-laminated timber panels and wood fiber insulation enhance thermal performance, while polycarbonate sheets are used for the façade, providing durability and recyclability.

Modularity and Adaptability

The design emphasizes modularity through vertical stacking of units, allowing for efficient prefabrication. This makes future modifications easier. Each unit acts as a self-contained module, which can be adjusted or reconfigured as needed. Such adaptability ensures the design remains relevant over time, responding to the changing demands of urban life.

The greenhouse not only serves functional purposes but also adds an aesthetic element. It invites greenery into the living space. Wind-resistant structural elements add to the stability of the building, ensuring that it works well with both the natural environment and the urban landscape. The overall design reflects a careful balance between modern living and ecological considerations.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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