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Charred Wood and Natural Stone Blend in a Historic Restoration for Modern Living

Charred Wood and Natural Stone Blend in a Historic Restoration for Modern Living
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Charred wood and natural stone harmonize within a historically restored structure, providing a functional and contemporary family living space that respects its heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used to enhance durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
02
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal insulation.
03
An open staircase maximizes vertical space, promoting airflow and natural light.
04
The central courtyard serves as a multifunctional outdoor living area, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Historical preservation efforts maintain original building elements while accommodating modern functionality.

**Overview**

Located within a 200-year-old building, HF House exemplifies the integration of historical preservation with modern living requirements. This project responds to contemporary lifestyle needs while upholding the integrity of the original structure. It aims to restore functionality and aesthetic appeal through thoughtful architectural interventions, ensuring that the character of the existing edifice is respected and enhanced.

**Spatial Configuration and Layout**

HF House is organized across three levels—ground, first, and second—covering a total area of 66 square meters. The ground floor is designed for essential living functions, comprising an entrance, powder room, living room, kitchen-dining space, and a patio that emphasizes connectivity with the outdoor environment. The upper levels are dedicated to private areas, including bedrooms and bathrooms, with attention given to natural light and ventilation. Vertical connections through open stair shafts contribute to the overall spatial dynamics, allowing light to flow throughout the interior.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Considerations**

The material palette for HF House merges contemporary choices with traditional elements. The primary structural framework utilizes reinforced concrete and steel beams, enabling open interior spaces. Exterior finishes include lime plaster, which mirrors historical textures while providing durability against the elements. Interior spaces feature natural stone flooring for elegance and continuity, alongside extensive use of glass to enhance light infiltration and visual connectivity with the outdoors. Additionally, sustainable design principles are evident, with considerations for green roofs that may enhance ecological balance and energy efficiency.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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