by
Decoding Timber Towers – Affordable Housing Challenge
International design ideas competition seeking to explore the potential of timber construction to housing affordability.
The competition aims to explore the use of timber in mid- to high-rise residential buildings, as a strategy to address housing unaffordability and climate change. It challenges entrants to design systematised and standardised timber building solutions using prefabrication, modularity, and BC-sourced wood. Participants must develop cost-effective and low-carbon designs suitable for one of four fictional Transit-Oriented Areas in British Columbia, showcasing innovative mass timber prototypes adaptable to different urban conditions. Designs must also address regulatory, operational, and community integration issues to ensure replicability and feasibility across multiple sites.
Location
Sector
Residential / Sustainability
Tender Portal
Tender Stage
Open design competition
Deadline
2 May 2025 – Registration Closes, 25 Aug 2025 – Submission Deadline
Consultant Team
The competition is open to anyone, and multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged, including those with students and youth members. Entrants need not be registered professionals.
Submission Criteria
1st Prize – $15k CAD, 2nd Prize – $10k CAD, 3rd Prize – $5k CAD
5 Honourable Mentions: $2k CAD each
Digital Innovation Award: $10k CAD
Competition Deliverables
– 1 PDF (max 10MB, 6 pages, 8.5×11″ landscape)
– 3 JPGs (max 2MB each) for promotion
– 1 video file (max 50MB, 1-minute duration)
– 1 biographical profile and photo (Word doc and JPG)
– 1 PDF exhibition poster for Woodrise Congress
The PDF should include:
– Statement of intentions
– 3D drawings, plans, sections
– Project data (areas, amenities)
– Rationale (design, economic, carbon, social)
– Carbon calculations using provided methodology
– Business plan / proforma
– Regulatory/code fit and innovations
Submission fees
General registration: $140 CAD
Student teams: $55 CAD
Indigenous Entrants: Free Registration
Early Bird Discount
If you register by Friday, 11 April 2025, you receive:
– A discounted rate of $95 CAD per team
– Priority access to site selection (first choice of site)