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Alaskan Cedar Frame with Solar Shingles and Green Roof for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Mitsuko Balarezo, Dev Chand, Aljune Drequito
Alaskan Cedar Frame with Solar Shingles and Green Roof for Sustainable Living
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Constructed with Alaskan cedar and equipped with solar shingles and a green roof, the design promotes sustainable living through its adaptable spaces and central courtyard, serving as an environmentally conscious home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with Alaskan cedar for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates solar shingles on the southern facade for energy efficiency.
03
Features a green moss roof that enhances insulation properties.
04
Includes a central courtyard that supports gardening and vegetation.
05
Designed for multifunctionality with adjustable spaces for living and working.

The Shifting A-Frame project offers a modern take on the traditional A-Frame house, emphasizing adaptability and sustainability. It is designed with a central covered courtyard that separates distinct areas for working, resting, and essential functions like the kitchen and bathroom. This arrangement enhances the home's connection to nature and maximizes the use of space.

Design Layout

The structure maintains the classic A-Frame shape but adds modular elements that allow it to adapt to different settings. The central courtyard serves as a vital feature, bringing natural light and fresh air into the living spaces. This separation of functions not only improves usability but also provides an area for gardening, contributing to the overall ecological goals of the home.

Material Selection

The choice of materials in the project supports its durability and visual appeal. The exterior is framed with Alaskan cedar, offering resistance to various weather conditions while giving the house a warm look. Inside, simple plywood is used for furniture, promoting a minimalist approach that remains functional and comfortable for daily life.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key focus of the design. The southern side is clad with solar shingles which help meet the energy demands for heating and electricity. The northern side features a green moss roof that enhances insulation, showcasing the commitment to sustainability in the project. These elements work together to lower the energy consumption of the home.

Multifunctional Spaces

The interior layout emphasizes versatility with the inclusion of multifunctional furniture. Beds can fold up, allowing the space to shift from sleeping to relaxing areas as needed. Tables can also be stowed away to open up the area for other activities. This thoughtful approach to design caters to modern living requirements, where flexibility is essential.

The project invites interaction with both indoor and outdoor environments, creating a unique experience through shifting views and connections to the natural landscape.

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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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