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Charred Wood Accents and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Communal Living Space

Charred Wood Accents and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Communal Living Space
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Crafted with charred wood accents and cross-laminated timber, the design merges sustainability with flexibility to create an adaptable communal living space that promotes social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced cross-laminated timber, minimizing transport emissions.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space while maintaining structural integrity.
04
Includes communal gardens designed to promote biodiversity and resident interaction.
05
Utilizes recycled materials from previous buildings to reduce environmental impact.

## Project Overview

The design is set within a landscape impacted by previous disturbances, emphasizing the importance of resilience and environmental integration. It focuses on modern sustainable living and adaptive construction, utilizing local materials and advanced building techniques to achieve eco-friendly objectives. The intent is to create a harmonious community living environment that addresses contemporary challenges relating to climate, resource efficiency, and societal dynamics.

### Design Philosophy

The design prioritizes a balanced relationship between human occupancy and ecological sustainability. Key aspects of the approach include:

- **Adaptability**: The structures are designed for modification or expansion to align with the evolving needs of residents, thereby fostering a flexible living environment.
- **Sustainability**: The selection of materials and construction practices aims to minimize the ecological footprint, emphasizing the efficient use of local resources.
- **Community Focus**: Spaces facilitate interaction and engagement among residents, reinforcing social connections and a sense of community.

### Material Selection and Structural Components

A variety of materials are employed to enhance both sustainability and aesthetic appeal:

- **Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)**: Serves as the primary structural element, providing strength and sustainability through local sourcing and modular design for ease of assembly.
- **Koatherm Board**: Used for insulation, contributing to thermal efficiency and improved energy performance.
- **Recycled Materials**: Incorporation of reclaimed elements supports a low-impact construction ethos.
- **Aluminum Coating**: Applied to exterior finishes for durability and recyclability.
- **Photovoltaic Panels**: Integrated for solar energy generation, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.

The design features a robust foundation equipped with moisture control mechanisms to enhance sustainability. The outer shell integrates innovative solutions to optimize natural light while maintaining thermal integrity. Interior spaces are characterized by adaptable layouts allowing reconfiguration according to occupants’ preferences, with natural finishes that connect indoors with the surrounding environment. Advanced heat recovery ventilation systems ensure high indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption.

This project exemplifies community integration and a commitment to eco-conscious design, demonstrating a holistic approach to living that prioritizes both environmental stewardship and the well-being of residents.

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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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