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Charred Shingles Complement Steel Frame in Community Observation Structure

Charred Shingles Complement Steel Frame in Community Observation Structure
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The integration of charred wooden shingles with a robust steel frame creates a visually striking contrast, enhancing the observation spaces designed to foster community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create efficient structural support and thermal performance.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial experiences and visual connections.
04
Large cantilevered sections extend usable space while minimizing ground impact.
05
Multiple vantage points are integrated throughout the structure, encouraging exploration and observation.

### Overview

"Observances: An American Diptych" is located within an industrial landscape and aims to explore the relationship between perception and interaction. The design operates on the concept of a diptych, where two distinct yet interconnected segments create a dialogue about observation as both a physical act and a reflective process. Through this framework, the project seeks to enhance visitor engagement with the environment, encouraging both introspection and active interaction.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The spatial organization is characterized by interlocking volumes that defy conventional architectural forms. A series of voids and cantilevers facilitates dynamic outdoor areas, balconies, and vantage points, allowing for diverse views of the surrounding landscape. A central core organizes functional spaces, serving as the main axis for circulation and community engagement. This approach emphasizes shared experiences and fosters a sense of connection among users.

The design incorporates significant visual elements, such as vibrant red accents and transparent features, to direct movement and highlight key pathways. These design choices establish a visual hierarchy that guides users through the space, creating an environment conducive to both intimate encounters and broader social interactions.

### Materiality and Environmental Context

The project's material palette includes steel, glass, concrete, and wood, each selected for its functional and aesthetic properties. Steel serves as the structural framework, reflecting modern industrial contexts. Glass is employed extensively to enhance transparency and visual continuity between interiors and the external environment. Concrete provides a stable base for the building, while wood is utilized in select interior spaces to add warmth and intimacy.

This combination of materials not only addresses durability but also supports a dialogue between the structure and its environment, highlighting the significance of context in architectural design. By employing these materials thoughtfully, the project underscores the interaction between solid and void, creating a meaningful relationship with its surroundings.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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