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Timber Panels and Portable Units Enhancing Urban Living Flexibility

Authors:
Mehdi Gharibi, Shima Kheyri
Timber Panels and Portable Units Enhancing Urban Living Flexibility
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Portable units and strategically designed timber panels create adaptable living spaces that respond to the diverse needs of urban residents in Toronto.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration based on user needs.
02
Timber panels provide both structural integrity and insulation.
03
Rooftop gardens enhance urban greening and sustainability.
04
A delivery shaft system ensures privacy during deliveries.
05
Folding balconies create multifunctional outdoor spaces.

TURNING DIVERSITY is a project that focuses on modular living solutions designed for urban settings. Located in Toronto, it addresses the varying needs of city residents by offering flexible and customizable spaces. With prefabricated modular units at its core, the design aims to create adaptable environments that reflect the diverse lifestyle of the city's inhabitants.

Design Concept
The idea behind TURNING DIVERSITY is to utilize standard modular timber panels to assemble different types of living spaces. This approach supports both individual and shared living arrangements, allowing people to personalize their homes according to their specific requirements. The design integrates several functional areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and workspaces, fostering engagement and connections among residents.

Materials and Structure
The main structural element consists of timber panels that contribute to the project’s modular framework. Brackets provide essential support, allowing for efficient construction and adaptability in design. The use of thermal and humidity insulation helps ensure comfort while also improving energy performance. These choices reflect a practical approach to meeting the demands of urban living.

Innovative Features
TURNING DIVERSITY includes portable units that provide added flexibility. These self-contained structures give residents the option to change their living configurations as their needs evolve. A folding entrance balcony enhances security and can adapt to the space requirements of residents. Inside, a folding staircase leads to possible rooftop gardens, supporting environmentally friendly practices and promoting green spaces in an urban setting.

User-Centric Approach
The design prioritizes the needs of its users, with features that enhance daily living experiences. For example, a delivery shaft reduces the need for face-to-face interaction with delivery personnel, which improves privacy and safety. This thoughtful approach reflects an understanding of the challenges faced by urban dwellers and creates an environment where each unit serves as both a private space and a hub for community interaction.

The integration of modular elements with innovative design in TURNING DIVERSITY establishes a setting that supports urban lifestyles while ensuring adaptability. Each unit invites natural light and promotes airflow, enhancing the living experience for all its residents.

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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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