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Wood Siding and Rock Wool Create Efficient Backyard Living Units

Authors:
Nathan Bonneville, Pierre-charles Gauthier
Wood Siding and Rock Wool Create Efficient Backyard Living Units
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Constructed with wood siding and rock wool insulation, these backyard living units provide sustainable and efficient housing solutions within suburban landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated wall sections for efficient assembly.
02
Incorporates wood exterior siding for aesthetic warmth and durability.
03
Integrates community pathways to enhance social interaction among residents.
04
Includes multiple backyard living units on existing properties.
05
Focuses on sustainable resource management with integrated utilities.

The design centers on addressing the challenges associated with suburban sprawl in North America. Traditional suburbs often lead to environmental degradation, increased commuting times, and socio-economic divides. The key concept focuses on densifying suburban spaces by creating micro-communities that promote efficient land use and sustainable living while enhancing connections among residents.

Micro-Community Development

The proposal targets underutilized suburban areas, which have been identified as having an underuse rate of 25-50%. It seeks to utilize existing structures by allowing for the development of secondary living units. The introduction of tiny living options in backyards enables homeowners to create rental units suitable for aging family members or young adults starting out. These adjustments aim to maximize land use without the need for large-scale construction.

Mixed-Use Integration

The design incorporates a mixed-use neighborhood approach, featuring vital local amenities like grocery stores, libraries, and community centers within the micro-community framework. This thoughtful arrangement lessens the reliance on transportation and encourages a walkable environment. Establishing pathways and communal spaces that connect the various micro-units enhances social interaction, encouraging residents to engage and support one another.

Managing Privacy within Densification

The design carefully addresses the need for privacy in densely populated areas. By arranging micro homes in intimate clusters, personal space is maintained while still allowing for community dynamics. Open spaces are included to invite social interactions, balancing individuality with a sense of belonging. This design approach helps create an environment where residents can feel connected yet also have their own private areas to retreat to.

Sustainable Resource Management

Material choices in the project involve prefabricated wall sections, wood exterior siding, ventilation chambers, and rock wool insulation. These materials align with the goal of creating sustainable and efficient structures. Integrated plumbing and electrical systems are designed to connect with existing suburban infrastructure. This emphasis on resource management supports an efficient urban environment that serves current and future residents well.

Public spaces in the development will serve as focal points for community activities, encouraging residents to gather and participate in shared experiences. This design element is aimed at fostering a strong sense of neighborhood, making it easier for individuals to engage deeply with their surroundings and each other.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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