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Charred Wood Elevation and Transparent Facade in Student Housing Design

Charred Wood Elevation and Transparent Facade in Student Housing Design
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Utilizing charred wood for enhanced durability, a transparent facade for natural light, and a flexible layout, the design creates an engaging living environment for university students in a revitalized urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and light distribution.
04
Incorporates communal areas that enhance student engagement and social interaction.
05
Includes roof gardens that promote biodiversity and effective climate control.

### Overview

The architectural design situated in Naples, Italy, addresses an underutilized urban area within the city’s historical context by providing facilities that cater to university students. The building is located in a triangular block at the "Piazza," aiming to revitalize a neighborhood marked by density challenges. The design is informed by a deep respect for Naples' historical layers while integrating contemporary architectural elements that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

### Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes the creation of a communal hub that fosters interaction among students and residents. The ground level features a prominent entrance, elevated above the street, which not only welcomes pedestrians but also encourages social gatherings. The layout prioritizes adaptable spaces, accommodating diverse activities and group sizes, thereby reinforcing its role as a central point for community engagement. Additionally, the integration of public pathways around the building ensures improved accessibility and foot traffic, connecting various parts of the neighborhood.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in defining the building's identity. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material, supporting distinctive overhangs and cantilevers. The use of glass throughout the facade facilitates a connection between the interior and the vibrant street life, allowing natural light to permeate the space and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Steel frameworks enhance structural flexibility and resilience.

Sustainability is a key consideration in the project, with green roofs and terraces incorporated to provide recreational spaces while contributing to energy efficiency through natural insulation. The building employs passive heating and cooling strategies, aligning with a broader commitment to environmentally responsible design.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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