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Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Define a Contemporary Urban Residence

Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Define a Contemporary Urban Residence
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Showcasing charred wood shingles and extensive glass facades, the design emphasizes natural light and energy efficiency, ultimately creating a modern urban residence that balances communal living with private retreat spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design enhances natural ventilation throughout the residence.
04
The integration of smart home technologies optimizes energy management and user convenience.
05
Native landscaping complements the building's design and promotes local biodiversity.

### Overview

Located in an urban environment, this contemporary residential building features comprehensive layouts across several levels. The design emphasizes sustainability and user-centered living, incorporating passive design strategies to enhance energy efficiency. The intent is to balance functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a space that meets the demands of modern lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization and Privacy

The design reflects a careful consideration of open spaces while maintaining privacy. Architectural louvers are strategically employed to create a distinct separation between communal and private areas. The ground floor includes living spaces, a kitchen, and service areas arranged to promote connectivity, with designated private zones for enhanced comfort. Following the ground floor, the first floor prioritizes private sleeping quarters and workspaces, providing a master bedroom with en-suite facilities and office areas that support remote work. The upper levels are designated for recreation, featuring a gym and an entertaining terrace, while the roof incorporates sustainable systems such as solar panels and a green roof garden.

### Material Selection

The project features a thoughtfully curated selection of materials that contribute to its structural integrity and visual coherence. Concrete forms the primary structure, ensuring durability, while wood adds warmth through flooring and decorative elements. Glass is utilized extensively for windows and facades to maximize natural light and connect interiors with outdoor spaces. Aluminum framing supports modern aesthetic needs, and terracotta or ceramic tiles are used for both practical flooring in specific areas and thermal regulation. Exterior stone finishes enhance resilience against environmental elements, further solidifying the building’s aesthetic presence within its context.

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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

`
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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