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Charred Wood Siding and Icynene Insulation in a Modern Appalachian Home

Authors:
Sydney Sinclair, Marla Stephens, Ann Nguyen
Charred Wood Siding and Icynene Insulation in a Modern Appalachian Home
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Utilizing charred wood siding and icynene insulation, this contemporary home in the Appalachian region redefines communal living with an expanded porch at its core, fostering connections between residents and their environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The home features a modular design that allows for easy transport and expanded living spaces upon installation.
02
Utilizes an embedded gutter system to capture and purify rainwater for potable use.
03
The porch serves as the central social hub, enhancing community interaction among residents.
04
Constructed on stilts, the design minimizes environmental impact and provides scenic views.
05
Incorporates ecologically friendly materials such as icynene insulation for optimal energy efficiency.

The HollerHaus is a contemporary design located in the Appalachian region, connecting modern living with traditional community values. It redefines the classic porch as the core gathering space of the home, known as the hearth. This concept encourages social interaction and fosters a strong relationship with the natural landscape. The design utilizes a modular approach to create adaptable living spaces that respond to different needs while blending with the surrounding environment.



Design Concept

At the center of the HollerHaus is the porch, which acts as a gathering space for family and friends. This area is designed to promote interaction while ensuring a sense of privacy for the occupants. The layout prioritizes smooth connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing ample light and fresh air into the home. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that strengthens the bond between residents and their community.



Modular Configuration

The HollerHaus consists of two prefabricated modules, each designed to unfold when they arrive on site. This clever mechanism doubles the usable floor area and enhances the flexibility of living spaces. Large glass folding doors integrate the porch with the outdoors, maintaining visual and physical links while enabling residents to adjust their environment according to their needs.



Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an important aspect of the HollerHaus. The design is self-sufficient, using renewable energy sources like solar panels to meet its power needs. A gutter system captures rainwater and directs it to a filtration tank, making it safe for drinking. This attention to sustainability is further highlighted by the design of the roofs, which are shaped to collect rainwater efficiently and promote responsible use of resources.



Material Choices

Material selection plays a key role in the performance and durability of the HollerHaus. Icynene insulation, created from water and castor oil, is used for its eco-friendly properties and its effectiveness in keeping the indoor climate comfortable. The exterior features shou sugi ban wood siding, an ancient technique that chars wood to protect it from decay and pests.

These thoughtful design elements work together to create a home that blends modern living with the cultural richness of its Appalachian setting, reflecting both functionality and a sense of place.

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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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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