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Charred Timber Shingles Enhance Community Gathering Space with Sustainable Design

Authors:
Carmen María Ruiz Romero, Andrés Navarro Moral, Jose Miguel Pérez Sevilla
Charred Timber Shingles Enhance Community Gathering Space with Sustainable Design
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive glass elements, the design cultivates a harmonious blend of natural light and sustainable materials, creating an adaptable community gathering space that enhances urban interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features extensive glass elements to maximize natural light and visibility.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to facilitate unique spatial configurations.
05
Integrates landscaping with local flora to promote ecological harmony.

### Project Overview

Cross Roads Hall is situated in a dynamic urban environment, designed as a multifunctional space that enhances community interactions at a critical intersection. Drawing from principles of historical Roman urbanism, the design seeks to create a focal point that fosters social engagement and connectivity among users. The integration with the site's sloped terrain allows for a harmonious relationship between the structure and its natural context, ensuring accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere.

### Spatial Configuration

**Site Layout**
The arrangement of spaces is strategically designed to link multiple structures across the intersection, optimizing land use to provide areas for gathering, events, and movement.

- **Upper Level (Piazza Galeno Floor)**: This primary public area includes meeting spaces, a cafeteria, and zones for informal encounters, all enhanced by landscaped features that provide natural shading and a sense of tranquility.
- **Underground Level**: Featuring direct access to transportation hubs, this level supports additional rooms catering to events and conferences. The design facilitates an intuitive flow that integrates public transport with the surrounding urban fabric.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A varied selection of materials has been employed to enhance both aesthetics and environmental sustainability.

1. **Concrete**: Used for structural purposes, concrete features texture variations to create visual interest.
2. **Glass**: Extensive glass elements foster an open ambiance and allow natural light to permeate the interior, while maintaining views of the surrounding landscape.
3. **Steel**: Implemented in the structural framework, steel contributes to the building's resilience and offers a contemporary industrial character.
4. **Landscaping Elements**: The use of local plant species promotes ecological balance and minimizes maintenance requirements.

### Design Outcomes

**Distinctive Features**
- **Fluid Circulation**: The design supports diverse movement patterns, with multiple access points facilitating flexible usage and enhancing the user experience.
- **Adaptive Use of Space**: The integration of open and adaptable spaces accommodates various functions, such as exhibitions and community gatherings.
- **Environmental Harmony**: Incorporation of vegetation and natural elements contributes to cooling, insulation, and overall energy efficiency.

**Cultural and Artistic Engagement**
The project references historical architectural strategies while incorporating modern materials and technologies. Artistic displays along circulation paths promote community interaction, showcasing local culture and enriching the user experience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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