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Charred Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Multigenerational Community Hub

Charred Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Multigenerational Community Hub
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a sustainable environment that fosters intergenerational interactions within a vibrant community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rooftop garden that serves as an active social space for residents.
02
Utilizes Building-integrated photovoltaics to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features wide sidewalks designed to promote foot traffic and community engagement.
04
Includes communal spaces specifically designed for intergenerational learning and workshops.
05
Employs natural ventilation strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

### Overview
The focus of the project is to bridge the generational divide in rural communities that face a stagnant elderly population alongside the migration of youth to urban areas. This design creates a combined living space that promotes social interaction, learning, and community engagement, facilitating coexistence and collaboration among different age groups.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement
The layout consists of a five-story structure with a clear distribution of functions. The ground floor incorporates retail spaces, community-oriented areas such as a coffee shop and laundry facilities, and a guesthouse designed to attract young individuals interested in rural living. Wide sidewalks encourage foot traffic and informal gatherings while providing views of a central garden that serves as a communal area. The upper floors are dedicated to elderly residents, comprising project rooms and lecture halls to promote lifelong learning. A third-floor garden enhances opportunities for interaction, reinforcing the community spirit.

### Materiality and Sustainable Strategies
Materials selected for the project reflect a commitment to sustainability, both in function and aesthetics. Energy-saving glass enhances natural light availability while minimizing heat transfer, and biophilic elements such as vertical gardens establish a connection to the environment. The building integrates biPV (Building-integrated Photovoltaics) and traditional solar panels to maximize energy efficiency. Strategies like natural ventilation and careful orientation not only reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems but also contribute to a healthier living environment for residents. The architecture embodies a holistic approach, combining sustainable practices with thoughtful design to foster community resilience.

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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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

Open architecture competitions

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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