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Cedar Shake Cladding and Structural Insulated Panels in Compact Urban Living

Authors:
Michael Hoover, Abigail Peters
Cedar Shake Cladding and Structural Insulated Panels in Compact Urban Living
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Constructed with cedar shake cladding and structural insulated panels, this compact urban dwelling in Buffalo efficiently addresses housing needs through a modular design that maximizes space and enhances community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes structural insulated panels for efficient energy use.
02
Features cedar shake cladding treated with natural pine tar for durability.
03
Optimizes passive solar gain through strategic window placement.
04
Integrates a continuous radiant concrete floor for thermal comfort.
05
Consolidates utility areas along a northern wall to enhance flexibility.

House B is a modular micro living solution situated on vacant lots in Buffalo, New York. It aims to provide efficient housing in an area that has experienced significant urban vacancy. Located in the East Side, where many lots remain unoccupied, the design focuses on maximizing living space while ensuring comfort for residents. The overall concept is based on a grid layout that creates a square footprint, promoting adaptability and optimizing space.

Architecture Concept
The design of House B features a simple box-like form that reflects the industrial history of the surrounding area. This straightforward design makes the structure a clear presence on its site, fostering a connection to the community. By using a modular approach, the layout allows various living configurations that can adapt to different needs while maintaining a cohesive look.

Materials
House B primarily uses Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, which are known for their effectiveness in energy use and structural strength. This choice is particularly fitting for Buffalo's climate, providing a quick construction method that enhances the building's performance. The exterior is clad with cedar shakes treated with natural pine tar, contributing both to durability and to a warm, inviting appearance.

Interior Configuration
Inside, the arrangement emphasizes an open and flexible space. Most surfaces are finished with sanded pine plywood, which creates a light and modern feel. Various utility areas, including the kitchen nook, washroom, wardrobe, storage, and bed, are grouped along a northern wall. This design choice allows for a spacious living area where residents can easily interact and use the space comfortably.

Design Details
A continuous radiant concrete floor serves as both a heating element and thermal mass, which helps to keep the interior warm during winter. The incorporation of operable windows and skylights enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, ensuring a pleasant indoor atmosphere. These elements work together to create a functional and welcoming living environment that aligns with the urban setting, contributing to a sense of community and connection.

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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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