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Charred Shingles and Steel Framework Creating Community-Centric Living by the Water

Charred Shingles and Steel Framework Creating Community-Centric Living by the Water
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a steel framework, the design offers expansive views of the waterfront while maximizing accessibility for senior residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates therapeutic gardens to promote mental well-being for residents.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and views.
04
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Prioritizes accessible pathways that encourage social interaction among residents.

### Project Overview
Located in Liège, Belgium, the residential complex prioritizes the quality of life for senior citizens through its thoughtful integration of natural elements and emphasis on community interactions. The design integrates building elements in relation to the waterway, creating spaces that promote well-being while addressing the specific needs of elderly residents. This context-sensitive approach enables the structure to respond effectively to its surroundings, enhancing social dynamics and overall lifestyle for its occupants.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The architectural layout features a multi-level design, with the ground floor dedicated to community-oriented amenities such as a therapy garden, outdoor pool, café, and library. This arrangement facilitates direct interaction with the water, encouraging an active and engaged lifestyle among residents. Common spaces are purposefully designed to foster social interaction, incorporating a variety of areas that can adapt to different activities, with options for both shaded and sunlit environments. Personalized living units boast flexible designs, allowing for customization while maintaining connections to communal spaces through private terraces.

### Materiality and Interaction with Nature
The structural framework consists of steel, providing a modern aesthetic alongside durability and stability. This choice allows for expansive open spaces that enhance visual connections with the environment. The design employs wooden boxes for living areas, promoting warmth and inviting atmospheres. Large windows throughout the complex are a key feature, maximizing natural light and creating visual transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, green roofs and community gardens not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute positively to the mental well-being of residents. The building’s close proximity to the water fosters sensory engagement, emphasizing reflections and movement that enrich the architectural experience.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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