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Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facade Define a Multifunctional Community Space

Authors:
Gustavo Mascarenhas Penko, Gustaco Mascarenhas Penko
Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facade Define a Multifunctional Community Space
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Utilizing a charred wood shingle facade and a central spiral staircase, the design creates an inviting multifunctional space that promotes community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a charred wood shingle facade for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Features a central spiral staircase that enhances movement and connectivity between levels.
04
Designed with flexible exhibition spaces that allow for dynamic cultural programming.
05
Emphasizes transparency through extensive glazing, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment.

### Overview
This architectural design is a mixed-use exhibition space and community center situated in an urban environment, conceived to address both cultural and societal needs. The facility aims to function as a versatile venue for permanent and temporary exhibitions while fostering community interaction and dialogue. The design draws inspiration from the themes of public memory and social engagement, intending to create an interactive and reflective space that engages local residents and visitors alike.

### Spatial Configuration
The building is organized across four levels, each dedicated to specific functions that enhance user experience and accessibility. The first level houses a permanent exhibition focused on historical narratives related to terrorism, offering spacious areas designed for educational displays. The second level provides a public library, featuring quiet reading zones and collaborative spaces to support the community's educational pursuits. The third level serves as a temporary exhibition space, designed with flexible layouts that can accommodate diverse cultural and artistic presentations. The fourth level mirrors the second, allowing for larger gatherings and community events, thereby establishing a multifunctional environment that promotes inclusivity.

### Materiality and Environmental Design
The architectural framework incorporates a variety of materials that fulfill both aesthetic and functional roles. A steel structure underpins the building, providing necessary support and modernity. A glass façade enhances transparency and invites natural light into the interior spaces, creating visual connections with the exterior environment. Concrete contributes durability, while strategically placed metal grating adds a distinctive visual element and facilitates airflow and lighting. Internally, wood finishes introduce warmth, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Sustainability is a core consideration, as the design utilizes natural light and ventilation strategies to enhance energy efficiency, aligning the structure with contemporary environmental standards.

This building features an innovative layered façade, or "skin," designed to respond to environmental conditions, offering protection, thermal management, and privacy without compromising visual connection. Additionally, a central spiral staircase promotes accessibility and encourages interaction among levels, reinforcing the project's community-oriented purpose.

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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.

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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