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Sustainable Living Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Community Gardens in an Urban Environment

Authors:
Tika Laras Kusuma , Wakushi Shiba, Takeru Nakamura
Sustainable Living Through Cross-Laminated Timber and Community Gardens in an Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber and semi-public gardens, the design offers a sustainable multi-generational living solution that promotes community engagement while respecting individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
03
Features multi-family units designed for intergenerational living.
04
Integrates semi-public gardens to enhance community interaction.
05
Constructed with locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.

## Project Overview

WovenHouse is located in Dubai and serves as a modern architectural response to the intersection of natural elements, cultural traditions, and contemporary living. The design emphasizes sustainable principles with a focus on environmental, social, and cultural considerations, creating a habitat that supports multi-generational families while ensuring both communal engagement and individual privacy. By integrating traditional motifs with modern aesthetics, WovenHouse aims to establish a harmonious living environment that fosters community interaction without compromising personal space.

## Spatial Configuration

The layout is meticulously planned to clearly differentiate between private and public areas. The ground floor features community gardens as a focal point for social interaction, while family rooms and private gardens are strategically positioned to maintain privacy. The second floor includes multi-functional rooftop green spaces that not only provide relaxation areas but also promote greenery above ground. The design accommodates potential future modifications, addressing changing needs and climatic conditions. Interior spaces promote airflow and connectivity, incorporating large windows for natural light and including integrated gardens that enhance both aesthetic and environmental quality.

## Materiality and Sustainability

WovenHouse utilizes a diverse range of materials aimed at enhancing both sustainability and structural performance. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) are employed for their strength and energy efficiency. Reinforced concrete blocks provide durability and weather resistance, while a double façade system featuring recyclable vinyl tent materials and fishing net provides effective shading and ventilation. The design incorporates traditional features such as wind towers for passive cooling and rainwater harvesting systems, exemplifying a commitment to ecological stewardship and adaptation to the environmental context.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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