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Charred Wood Shingles and Green Roof Integration in a Triangular Elderly Residence

Authors:
Nicholas Cigalotti, Nicholas Agostini, Beatrice Cenzato, Matteo Donazzolo
Charred Wood Shingles and Green Roof Integration in a Triangular Elderly Residence
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With a distinctive triangular shape and a facade crafted from charred wood shingles, the building integrates a green roof to promote sustainability while providing a nurturing environment for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's facade employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates a green roof to improve insulation and promote biodiversity on-site.
03
Features a triangular layout that maximizes natural light and fosters community interaction.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
05
Incorporates a central courtyard that enhances social connectivity among residents.

### Project Overview

The Twin Fusion project is designed as a residence for the elderly, located in the Leiria region of Portugal. The design seeks to honor local vernacular architecture while responding to the specific needs of its residents. By combining modern architectural techniques with traditional aesthetics, the project aims to create a functional living environment that reflects the identity of the region.

### Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The architectural concept is centered around a triangular layout that fosters both social connectivity and privacy. A central courtyard serves as the communal focal point, encouraging interaction among residents while providing private areas for relaxation. The open-plan configuration supports natural surveillance, enhancing safety and accessibility for elderly users. Various multifunctional spaces, including dining and recreational areas, are designed with elder-friendly materials to facilitate ease of use and promote a sense of community.

### Material Choice and Sustainable Practices

The project employs a strategic selection of materials that blend traditional and contemporary elements. Key materials include concrete for structural integrity, large glass windows for natural light and visual connection to the outdoors, and wood to introduce warmth into the living spaces. The use of aluminum for roofing and facade elements ensures durability. A green roof system enhances insulation, mitigates rainwater runoff, and supports local biodiversity. Efficient heating and cooling systems further contribute to the project's sustainable ethos, prioritizing environmental responsibility alongside resident well-being.

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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.

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