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Charred Wood Shingles and Insulated Panels Defining Versatile Modular Living in California

Charred Wood Shingles and Insulated Panels Defining Versatile Modular Living in California
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Employing charred wood shingles and insulated panels, this modular housing solution integrates seamlessly with the California landscape, offering a customizable living experience designed for flexibility and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency.
03
Features a versatile modular design allowing for fluid spatial configurations.
04
Employs insulated panels for superior thermal performance in varying climates.
05
Designed with large glass elements to promote natural light and outdoor connectivity.

### Overview

Set in the Southern California context of the San Bernardino Mountains, the Light Space residential design project reinterprets traditional housing through modular components known as "pods." This approach reflects contemporary housing needs by offering adaptability and flexibility, allowing users to configure their living spaces according to individual lifestyles. Drawing inspiration from Japanese Metabolism principles, the design promotes a connection between interior environments and the surrounding landscape, seeking to enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The project strategically employs a modular layout characterized by separate pods that serve distinct functions, including bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchen/dining areas. This configuration allows for independent engagement with each space, while the use of Pod Connectors facilitates seamless movement between them, akin to traditional home corridors. This organizational strategy not only fosters a sense of individuality within the living units but also encourages collaboration and interactive living experiences among residents.

### Materiality and Construction Efficiency

Light Space prioritizes modern materials to create a lightweight, easily transportable structure. The design incorporates steel for structural integrity and large glass elements to maximize natural light, while insulated panels ensure thermal efficiency. Prefabrication plays a crucial role in enhancing construction efficiency; pods are manufactured off-site and delivered ready for assembly, which significantly reduces on-site labor and construction time. This method aligns with contemporary sustainability goals by minimizing environmental impact and ensuring a more responsible approach to housing development.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
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20,000 USD Prize
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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