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Charred Wood Shingles and Flexible Spaces Enhance Community Living in a Triangular Structure

Authors:
Xueer Ma, Yanyan Zhang, Yifan Li
Charred Wood Shingles and Flexible Spaces Enhance Community Living in a Triangular Structure
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Integrating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design promotes an interconnected living environment that fosters community interactions while maintaining individual privacy through its triangular layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that reduce carbon footprint while providing structural strength.
03
Designed with a triangular layout to optimize natural light and minimize energy consumption.
04
Includes flexible spaces that encourage both private retreats and communal gatherings.
05
Incorporates accessibility-focused planning to ensure ease of movement for all residents.

## Project Overview

Located in a rural or semi-urban context, "House in a House in a House" explores innovative residential design focused on community interaction and psychological well-being. This project addresses the challenges of isolation prevalent in modern living by encouraging both private retreats and communal spaces. The arrangement of multiple smaller units promotes engagement between residents while honoring individual privacy, establishing a forward-thinking model for residential developments.

### Spatial Arrangement and Community Engagement

The architectural layout prioritizes the intricate relationship between public and private spaces. By integrating shared facilities—such as libraries and dining areas—close to personal units, the design fosters connections among residents. The triangular configuration of buildings enhances visual and physical linkages, facilitating interactions and a sense of belonging while incorporating semi-public areas to support spontaneous engagement without compromising individual privacy. This design framework addresses the imbalance often found in traditional residences, effectively nurturing a community-oriented atmosphere.

### Material Selection and Functionality

A commitment to a minimalist yet durable material palette underscores the project's design ethos. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, offering both strength and versatility, while wooden finishes add warmth to interiors, balancing the raw aesthetic of concrete. Glass elements increase natural light and promote visual connectivity between indoor spaces and the natural environment, enhancing the overall living experience. Soft, neutral color finishes establish a calming ambiance suited for both tranquility and social gatherings, essential for creating inviting communal areas such as the library, kitchen, and chapel.

The architectural configuration comprises distinct facilities tailored for specific activities, including a library for individual pursuits, a communal kitchen and dining space for group interactions, a chapel designed for mental well-being, and a nursing unit strategically located for accessibility. Each building contributes to overall functionality and user experience, ensuring a holistic approach to community life.

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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.

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