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Charred Wood Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enrich Community-Centric Residential Spaces

Charred Wood Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enrich Community-Centric Residential Spaces
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Incorporating charred wood shingles and vertical gardens, the design fosters a strong connection to nature while providing a flexible, community-focused residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and reduce maintenance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Vertical gardens integrate greenery, improving air quality and connecting the residence to nature.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability in material use.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for optimized interior space while maximizing natural light.
05
Innovative water management features efficiently channel runoff and promote ecological landscaping.

## Overview

Located within a context that echoes traditional architectural elements, the design reflects a forward-thinking approach to residential living. Drawing inspiration from cultural practices that value communal spaces, the project emphasizes social interaction while integrating sustainable methodologies. It aims to create a harmonious environment for its inhabitants, emphasizing a connection to nature and community.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is carefully structured across multiple levels to enhance functionality and facilitate social cohesion. The basement serves as a flexible area for living or private quarters, allowing adaptability for various family configurations. The ground floor acts as the central hub, merging living, dining, and kitchen spaces alongside open courtyards that promote airflow and natural light. On the first floor, bedrooms are strategically situated to provide privacy while maintaining sightlines to communal areas, reinforcing connectivity among residents. The roof terrace plays a crucial role in outdoor living, offering a venue for social gatherings and leisure activities.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project employs a diverse range of materials, each chosen for functional and aesthetic contributions. Concrete establishes structural stability and thermal regulation, while wood is incorporated in mashrabiyas to create a balance of light and traditional appearance. Extensive use of glass enhances natural illumination and visual access to outdoor spaces, improving the overall living experience. Efficient ventilation systems, including latticework and ventilators, strengthen natural cooling capabilities, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Sustainable practices are integral to the design with passive strategies such as wind towers and shaded areas to lessen heat gain. Water management is also prioritized with landscaping that conserves water and efficiently manages runoff. Additionally, communal pathways, referred to as "strip parks," are incorporated to promote active living through outdoor activities, fostering neighborhood engagement and safety.

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The Next House: USA
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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