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Charred Timber Facade Harmonizing with Panoramic Mountain Views in a Contemporary Residence

Charred Timber Facade Harmonizing with Panoramic Mountain Views in a Contemporary Residence
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The extensive use of charred wood cladding, combined with large glass openings that frame stunning mountain vistas, creates a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor environments in a contemporary residence designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and provides a distinct aesthetic.
02
Large glass panels maximize natural light while maintaining views of the mountainous landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and reduce construction time.
04
The bent A-frame design promotes natural ventilation and energy efficiency within living spaces.
05
Integrated outdoor terraces extend usable space and encourage interaction with nature.

### Project Overview

The contemporary residence is situated in a mountainous landscape characterized by expansive views and rich vegetation. The design aims to create a thoughtful relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, facilitating a living experience that prioritizes light, space, and tranquility.

### Spatial Strategy and Design Intent

The arrangement of the residence features a series of rectangular masses with varying heights, which contributes to the overall dynamism of the structure while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The incorporation of large windows and outdoor terraces promotes a connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The floor-to-ceiling fenestration enhances natural light entry and ventilation, while minimizing interruptions to sightlines of the surrounding landscape. Access is facilitated by a cantilevered entrance, providing shelter and a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior.

### Materiality and Sustainable Elements

The material palette is carefully selected for durability, functionality, and environmental considerations. Concrete serves as the structural backbone of the residence, ensuring stability, while extensive use of low-emissivity glass fosters transparency and energy efficiency. Natural wood accents provide warmth and texture, with slatted wooden screens offering both aesthetic appeal and functional shading. The exterior is finished in bright white paint, which reflects solar heat and contributes to passive cooling strategies.

The design includes strategies for sustainability, such as provisions for solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The landscape features artificial turf to minimize maintenance demands and enhance usability. Overall, these choices reflect a commitment to integrating sustainable practices into modern residential living.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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.

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

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