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Charred Birch and Straw Insulation Emphasizing Harmony in Personal Reflection Spaces

Authors:
Ghaith Al-safi, Kyle Dimaggio, Candice Mcfadden
Charred Birch and Straw Insulation Emphasizing Harmony in Personal Reflection Spaces
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Charred birch cladding and stacked straw insulation define a structure that harmonizes with its natural environment while providing dedicated spaces for meditation and recovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred vertical silver birch cladding enhances durability and visual appeal.
02
Continuous straw insulation optimizes thermal performance throughout the building.
03
Interior spaces are designed specifically for meditation and recovery activities.
04
The building's orientation considers seasonal changes for energy efficiency.
05
Natural light is strategically used to create a calming atmosphere within.

The design of "Moment" explores how people connect with their surroundings, set in a landscape that promotes both thoughtfulness and reflection. It accommodates various functions such as resting, cleansing, and meditation. The design combines elements from traditional and modern Latvian construction while focusing on creating a space that enhances physical comfort and spiritual peace.

Site Integration
The exterior of the building presents a dark façade that helps it blend into the nearby landscape. This choice reduces visual disruption, allowing the occupants to focus more on the environment around them. Inside, the bright and open spaces provide a stark contrast to the outside. This creates a transition that encourages users to engage with the surrounding views and the spaces offered within the building.

Functional Organization
Inside "Moment," the layout is organized into distinct areas to support different activities. There are spaces for Rest and Recovery, Kitchen and Heating, Shower and Cleansing, and Entry and Outward Meditation. This careful arrangement promotes easy movement through the building, allowing users to interact with both the environment and one another. Each space is designed to facilitate comfort, supporting both individual contemplation and social connection.

Sustainability Strategies
The design incorporates several environmental strategies that demonstrate an awareness of ecological responsibilities. Features such as indirect heat gain, systems for collecting rainwater, and passive cooling techniques are utilized to lessen the environmental footprint. Additionally, consideration of seasonal changes, like the Summer Solstice and the Autumnal Equinox, influences the orientation and overall design, creating a deeper connection between the building and the natural world.

Materiality
Materials play an important role in achieving both durability and visual harmony. The roofing and exterior siding consist of charred vertical silver birch board, which provides protection from the elements while adding a distinct character to the design. Inside, continuous bound and stacked straw insulation is used throughout the roof, walls, and flooring to enhance energy efficiency. The use of spruce plywood for the interior finish reflects a natural aesthetic, linking the inside of the building to the outside environment, while plywood also serves as the backup wall and subfloor, ensuring stability.

The interplay of light and shadow in the building creates a special atmosphere, shaping experiences for those who enter. Each design detail contributes to the overall narrative, emphasizing the importance of stillness and connection within a dynamic environment.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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