Framework sounds like a futuristic, Frankenstein-like treehouse. But as one of two winners of a contest for high-rise buildings built out of wood, it’s a actually a glimpse into the future of urban architecture. The 12-storey design will be one of the tallest wooden buildings in the United States once it’s completed — and many hope it will start a drive for more such buildings.

Thousands of Sydneysiders are cashing in on their empty homes while they’re away on holidays to help fund their travels. Accommodation website Airbnb said the number of Sydney houses, apartments and rooms up for let on its site had almost doubled in the past 12 months, from 8000 in December 2014 to more than 15,000 now.

The Australian Institute of Architects National President Jon Clements hoped that research, “intrinsic” to the work of architects, might broaden from the mostly practice-based research focused on the requirements of individual building projects. “... commercialisation of research and greater collaboration between universities and industry should increase the level of research and development in the architectural space,” he said.