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Timber Micro-House with Staggered Frames and Thermal Slits

Author:
Drexler Hans
Timber Micro-House with Staggered Frames and Thermal Slits
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Incorporating staggered frames and thermal slits, the solid timber structure achieves high energy efficiency while serving as a micro-house designed for eco-conscious living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features staggered upright frames that enhance structural integrity.
02
Incorporates thermal slits to improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
03
Eliminates the need for metal fasteners through precision digital fabrication.
04
Design includes dead-air chambers for superior thermal performance.
05
Utilizes solid timber as a mono-material system for sustainability.

The design introduces a contemporary approach to micro-architecture, focusing on sustainability and ecological responsibility. Located in a context that values natural resources, the structure serves as a unique living space that reinterprets the concept of a log cabin. It employs advanced methods of digital design and fabrication. The overall aim is to maximize spatial efficiency while ensuring strong structural integrity.

Innovative Structure

The project features a solid timber building system that creates environmentally friendly and architecturally engaging walls. Rather than using the traditional method of stacking logs horizontally, the design incorporates staggered upright frames. This arrangement allows the vertical elements to be oriented in the direction that provides the most strength, enabling precise saw cuts without sacrificing the wood's structural support.



Sustainability Features

Strategically placed slits in the timber serve multiple purposes. They act as stress-relief cuts, preventing the wood from splitting and ensuring stability and airtightness—key considerations in log construction. Additionally, these slits also serve as dead-air chambers. This design element greatly reduces thermal conductivity and enhances insulation, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the building.



Digital Fabrication Techniques

The construction process incorporates digital fabrication methods. This technology facilitates the creation of high-precision joints that fit the timber elements together. By doing so, the need for metal fasteners or adhesives is removed. Using a mono-material system that functions as both the structure and insulation demonstrates a clear commitment to minimizing environmental impact.



Spatial Experience

The design maintains a simple aesthetic while ensuring functionality through its form. Curved walls and ceilings optimize space. They create a welcoming atmosphere for residents, enhancing their interaction with the interior and the surrounding environment. Each element is carefully considered, resulting in a thoughtful balance of design and practicality.

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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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