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Charred Wood and Green Roofs Enhance Community Connectivity Through Modular Design

Author:
Miguel Cruz
Charred Wood and Green Roofs Enhance Community Connectivity Through Modular Design
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Utilizing charred wood finishes and extensive green roofs, the design fosters a harmonious blend of sustainability and community engagement within a multifunctional urban space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Integrates extensive green roofs to support local biodiversity and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior volume and natural light.
04
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and sustainability.
05
Includes community spaces that serve multifunctional roles, fostering social interaction.

## Architectural Design Report: Conceptual Analysis

### Project Overview
Located in a burgeoning urban area, the design incorporates innovative spatial configurations and green spaces, reflecting a commitment to fostering community connectivity and sustainability. The architectural approach aims to create an engaging environment that facilitates interaction while responding to the ecological context.

### Spatial Configuration
The site layout is strategically organized to integrate green areas and pathways, enhancing movement and visibility. Landscaped zones are thoughtfully interspersed with built volumes, promoting outdoor activities and social engagement. Interior spaces are arranged with distinct functional zones, accommodating public areas, educational facilities, and recreational spaces. This hierarchical zoning effectively manages transitions between private and public realms, reinforcing the overall design intention.

### Materiality
A diverse selection of materials was employed, each chosen for its functional and aesthetic contributions:

1. **Concrete**: Serves as the primary structural material, delivering durability and thermal mass while providing an urban aesthetic through exposed finishes.

2. **Glass**: Utilized in facades to maximize transparency and natural light, enhancing the relationship between interior spaces and the outdoors.

3. **Wood**: Incorporated in landscape elements and interior features, adding warmth and tactile qualities that contrast with the dominant concrete surfaces.

4. **Steel**: Used for structural framing and decorative elements, contributing to the design's industrial character while promoting sustainability through recyclable components.

5. **Vegetation**: Green roofs and planting on facades are integral to the design, enriching biodiversity and providing environmental benefits such as urban cooling.

### Unique Features
The project notably emphasizes the integration of nature within its architectural framework. Green terraces and gardens exemplify biophilic design principles that support occupant well-being and environmental responsibility. Additionally, the inclusion of open spaces, plazas, and courtyards fosters dynamic interactions, serving as venues for community gathering and social engagement. The design also integrates passive solar strategies, enhancing energy efficiency and overall sustainability.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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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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