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Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Biophilic Residential Design

Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Biophilic Residential Design
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Utilizing charred wood shingles and expansive glazing, the design integrates biophilic elements to create a sustainable residential space that fosters a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural integrity with reduced environmental impact.
03
Incorporates an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize spatial efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates extensive glazing to facilitate natural light and outdoor connectivity throughout the space.
05
Emphasizes biophilic elements by blending indoor living areas with surrounding natural landscapes.

### Overview
The "House of the Future" is situated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and draws inspiration from the structural and ecological principles of tree houses. The design aims to redefine urban housing by fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing the connection between residents and their natural surroundings. Overall, the project integrates sustainable practices and thoughtful design to create functional living spaces that promote communal and private interactions.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural design features modular, cubic forms that establish a modern aesthetic while promoting visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments through expansive windows. The ground floor centers around a main lobby that serves as the focal point, linking various living areas and allowing for fluid transitions. Each space is linked to carefully landscaped areas that incorporate plant life, thereby encouraging biophilic interactions. The basement is crafted as a multifunctional area, benefiting from ample natural light and direct connections to outdoor spaces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience. The first floor contains four primary bedrooms, each equipped with balconies and access to shared courtyards, ensuring a balance between privacy and social engagement.

### Material Selection
The project employs a range of materials chosen for their structural integrity and visual appeal. Concrete serves as the primary material for its robustness and contemporary aesthetic, while glass is utilized to maximize natural light and maintain visual continuity with the exterior. Durable tiles are used in flooring to ensure long-lasting quality and coherence with the overall minimalist design. Additionally, natural stones may be incorporated in landscaping and interior finishes, while metal accents could be integrated into railings or decorative elements to reinforce the modern character of the residence.

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The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Design slow sauna in Iceland

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Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
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Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
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Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

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Design a home with no artificial lighting

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Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
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Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

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Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
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Take a step and make a statement!

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Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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