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Charred Wood Shingles and Energy-Harvesting Design in a Modular Home

Charred Wood Shingles and Energy-Harvesting Design in a Modular Home
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Charred wood shingles combine with energy-harvesting technologies in a modular home designed to optimize space and sustainability for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing an aesthetically unique facade.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Incorporates energy-harvesting technologies seamlessly into the design for enhanced sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space while minimizing exterior footprint.
05
Modular construction allows for flexible reconfiguration to adapt to changing needs.

### Overview

The YDR Home is situated in a context that emphasizes a balance between contemporary living and environmental sustainability. This residence integrates functionality with a commitment to energy efficiency, utilizing modern design principles to create a compact living space that fosters a connection with nature. With a focus on geometric forms and sustainable materials, the design seeks to address contemporary architectural challenges while providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

### Geometric Configuration and Interior Layout

The structure is characterized by its distinctive hexagonal shapes, which serve both aesthetic and structural functions. This geometric configuration allows for diverse spatial arrangements, accommodating various uses within the residence. The exterior features angled rooflines and dynamic surface treatments aimed at optimizing energy performance and creating visual interest. Internally, the open floor plan maximizes spatial efficiency and encourages social interaction, while distinct zones for sleeping, cooking, and relaxation ensure functional versatility. Exposed wooden finishes throughout the living spaces enhance the ambiance, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape.

### Sustainable Features and Integration with Landscape

The YDR Home incorporates several sustainability measures, including solar panels that contribute to energy independence and reduce utility costs. Strategically placed large windows provide expansive views of the natural environment, enhancing thermal efficiency and emphasizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The building design incorporates landscaped gardens that blend with the architecture, promoting ecological functionality and aesthetic coherence. Additionally, the modular design enables reconfiguration or expansion based on the evolving needs of the inhabitants, underscoring a commitment to adaptability in residential architecture.

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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
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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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