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Charred Timber Facade with Modular Spaces for Flexible Living

Charred Timber Facade with Modular Spaces for Flexible Living
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Utilizing a charred timber facade for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal, the design incorporates modular living spaces that adapt to diverse user needs while emphasizing sustainability and environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved fire resistance and aesthetic value.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainable sourcing.
03
Features a modular design that allows for easy reconfiguration of living spaces.
04
The bent A-frame structure enhances natural light penetration and ventilation.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems for sustainable water management.

### Overview

The Pinwheel House is a distinctive architectural design located in a serene woodland setting, focusing on sustainable living and innovative space utilization. The project seeks to address contemporary housing challenges while fostering a connection with the natural environment. Its design concept draws inspiration from the dynamic structure of a pinwheel, symbolizing flexibility and adaptability in both form and function.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the Pinwheel House comprises two main components: a compact core and an expansive extension. The core, a cube approximately three meters per side, houses essential living facilities, including the kitchen, bathroom, and primary living spaces. The extension features modular components that allow for configurable living, dining, and workspace areas, adapting to the varying needs of its users. A rotating wheel container serves as a central hub for utilities, further enhancing the functional versatility of the structure.

### Environmental Performance

Material selection and sustainable practices are critical aspects of the design. The exterior employs Kingspan Design Wall 2000 panels, characterized by colored metal and glass to optimize light intake and thermal performance. Roof-mounted solar panels and a rainwater collection system contribute to the building's reduced environmental impact. The interior design prioritizes flexibility with adjustable furniture and clearly defined zones that encourage both privacy and social interaction. These features, combined with eco-friendly materials such as plywood flooring and a steel stud frame, exemplify the project’s commitment to sustainability and modern living.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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

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

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