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Charred Timber Facade Merging Verticality with Natural Landscapes

Author:
Jonathan Hanna
Charred Timber Facade Merging Verticality with Natural Landscapes
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Utilizing charred timber to enhance verticality and seamlessly integrate with the landscape, the structure serves as an immersive observation point, fostering a deep connection between nature and experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred timber shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and minimize waste.
03
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and views.
04
Strategically positioned openings enhance ventilation while framing scenic landscapes.
05
Emphasizes integration with the landscape, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview
Located within a picturesque landscape, the architectural design "Of Prospects and Perspectives" integrates materiality and function to establish a dialogue between the built environment and nature. The project aims to create an immersive structure that encourages users to engage meaningfully with their surroundings through a carefully considered approach to spatial arrangement and experience.

### Spatial Strategy
The design is informed by the concept of perspective, reflecting the relationship between individuals and their environment. Features such as staircase-like formations guide users through the space, reminiscent of natural terrain navigation. This strategic layering of spaces is enhanced by the arrangement of vertical elements that promote visual connectivity across different levels, thus facilitating a dynamic interaction with the landscape. The inclusion of vantage points invites exploration while fostering a sense of contemplation in response to the environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The architectural composition primarily employs laminated veneer lumber and corten steel, creating a juxtaposition that is both visually and structurally engaging. The slender, vertical posts evoke natural elements, allowing light to permeate the structure and influence its interior atmosphere throughout the day. The design prioritizes sustainability by minimizing waste through the efficient use of timber resources and employing techniques that reduce excavation, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint. This commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the material choices, which support longevity while reinforcing connections to the surrounding landscape.

Key materials include laminated veneer lumber as the primary structural element, complemented by steel for support, concrete for foundational stability, and aluminum for secondary features, all contributing to a cohesive and durable assembly.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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