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Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Panels Redefine Compact Community Living

Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Panels Redefine Compact Community Living
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Charred wooden shingles and acoustic panels create a resilient and efficient living environment, designed to foster community interaction within a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while adding aesthetic texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space and encourages natural light penetration.
04
Interior acoustic panels minimize sound transmission between living areas.
05
Flexible communal spaces foster social interaction and adaptability for diverse activities.

### Project Overview

The Open House is a sustainable micro-home initiative designed to address the growing demand for affordable and community-focused housing solutions in urban environments. In response to increasing challenges related to homelessness and the need for practical dwelling options, this project focuses on flexibility, adaptability, and a minimalist footprint, catering to the diverse needs of its residents while ensuring comfort and environmental responsibility.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Open House emphasizes both communal interaction and privacy, with a central space designed for various activities that fosters a sense of community. Features such as external canopies and sliding doors enhance connectivity between public and private areas, allowing for diverse social functions. By positioning the living spaces to encourage social engagement, the design moves beyond mere shelter to create a dynamic living environment conducive to interaction.

### Material Sustainability

The project employs a diverse selection of materials that prioritize sustainability and natural integration. Exterior wood cladding enhances insulation and visual appeal, while extensive glass windows maximize natural light and connect the interiors to the landscape. The inclusion of solar panels and a Kingspan Slimline Tank for water collection reinforces the commitment to energy efficiency and self-sufficiency. Additionally, the use of Troldtekt acoustic panels contributes to a serene living atmosphere, supporting both relaxation and community-oriented activities.

The thoughtfully designed functional areas include a versatile kitchen island, a dedicated workstation, and adaptable living and sleeping spaces, each optimized for multipurpose use. The overall composition reflects a contemporary approach to housing that integrates ecological considerations with a focus on communal living.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
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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