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Charred Wood Shingles and Green Wall Systems in Compact Urban Habitat

Charred Wood Shingles and Green Wall Systems in Compact Urban Habitat
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Utilizing charred wood shingles and integrated green wall systems, this compact urban habitat redefines efficient living by seamlessly blending sustainable materials with functionality for community-oriented spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space and stability.
04
Integrates green wall systems for improved air quality and biodiversity.
05
Prioritizes multifunctional spaces to accommodate both private and communal living.

## Project Overview

The "SHELTER" design addresses critical housing affordability and functionality challenges within urban environments, particularly pertinent to regions like Hungary. It promotes a comprehensive strategy for creating living spaces that enhance mental well-being while responding to the pressures of modern urban life. By emphasizing a balance between private and communal areas, the project supports both individual retreat and social engagement, integral components of a supportive living environment.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features a compact arrangement of functional zones tailored to maximize efficiency and adaptability. Private rooms ensure individual privacy, fostering mental tranquility, while the communal living room encourages social interaction. The kitchen and dining area serve dual roles, emphasizing utility in shared spaces, and the inclusion of a bathroom provides essential comfort. A bedroom working station enhances productivity without compromising rest, showcasing a flexible approach to everyday living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Sustainable material choices are at the forefront of the design, emphasizing both environmental responsibility and user comfort. Structural framing and outer cladding predominantly utilize wood, which aids in energy efficiency and promotes warmth. KingSpan paneling offers reusable walls that enhance thermal insulation, while integrated glass elements optimize natural light, reducing the dependency on artificial illumination. The project also incorporates green wall systems that enhance air quality and support local biodiversity alongside the use of recycled materials, minimizing waste throughout the construction process.

Passive design strategies further reinforce sustainability goals by incorporating systems for rainwater and greywater collection and integrating solar energy collection panels, optimizing energy use while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, careful layout considerations improve natural ventilation, supporting indoor comfort without mechanical interventions.

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

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