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Charred Wood Facade and Diagonal Modular Spaces Defining a Community-Centric Living Environment

Charred Wood Facade and Diagonal Modular Spaces Defining a Community-Centric Living Environment
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Constructed with a charred wood facade and a diagonal modular layout, the design creates adaptable living spaces that enhance community interaction while prioritizing safety and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a charred wood facade for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a diagonal modular design that maximizes natural light and flexibility.
03
Incorporates a bunker facility for resident safety during emergencies.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency.
05
Integrates a dual-story café to foster community interaction and engagement.

## Project Overview

Located in a district enriched by historical landmarks including the Yaroslav the Wise Academy of Law, the Korolenko Library, and Karazin University, the residential design seeks to integrate modern living amenities while respecting the architectural heritage of the area. Its conceptual framework prioritizes functionality and aesthetic value within the urban context.

### Modular Apartment Configuration

The building features an innovative layout with each apartment composed of six modular components, divided diagonally to optimize space utilization. Private areas are oriented to the northeast, while public functions face southwest, enhancing natural light exposure. This design not only supports flexible living arrangements but also allows for minimal structural walls, facilitating potential future renovations.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration

The material palette chosen for the construction emphasizes durability and harmony with the surrounding architectural environment. Key materials include:

- **Reinforced Concrete**: Provides structural integrity and resilience.
- **Cement-Sand Mortar**: Ensures stability between key structural components.
- **Steel**: Used in emergency exits, contributing to safety without compromising weight considerations.
- **Wood**: Incorporated in interior finishes to enhance comfort and warmth.

The strategic use of these materials aligns with contemporary needs while acknowledging the historical context of the neighborhood.

### Security Considerations and Communal Features

In light of current societal concerns, the design includes elevated security measures such as balcony shutters for protection against potential threats and steel emergency staircases for efficient evacuation. A dual-story café complements the residential area, designed to encourage community interaction while maintaining a cohesive architectural dialogue with the living spaces. The café features a brutalist façade and strategically located access points that cater to both public and private operational needs.

### Interior Design and Functionality

Internally, the apartment configuration highlights a minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and a monochromatic color palette that resonates with the exterior design. Organized communal areas foster social interaction, while adaptable spaces accommodate varying resident needs. Notable features include:

- **Bunker Facility**: A basement-level refuge designed for resident safety during emergencies.
- **Integration of Greenery**: Outdoor spaces enhance the residential experience, creating a direct connection with nature.

This detailed approach to spatial organization, material selection, and security responds directly to the dynamics of contemporary urban life while respecting the historical significance of its surroundings.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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
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