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Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Panels Shape a Resilient Micro Shelter for Disaster-Prone Areas

Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Panels Shape a Resilient Micro Shelter for Disaster-Prone Areas
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Charred wooden shingles and soundproof acoustic panels create a compact and resilient shelter designed to withstand the challenges of disaster-prone environments, offering a secure and functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing aesthetic texture.
02
Acoustic panels ensure sound insulation, creating a quiet internal environment.
03
Compact footprint maximizes functionality while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Prefabricated elements enable rapid assembly in disaster-response scenarios.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability and weather resistance.

## Overview

MUS.home is located in a wooded landscape, designed as a response to the ongoing challenges faced by communities impacted by natural disasters. This architectural response combines efficiency with sustainability to create a shelter adaptable for use as both a temporary refuge and a permanent residence. The design prioritizes environmental sustainability while considering the practical needs of occupants, focusing on an organized spatial layout and thoughtful material selection.

## Spatial Organization and Functionality

The compact structure, measuring 3.85 meters by 6.45 meters, is divided into two primary areas: a social zone and a private living area.

### Social Zone

The social zone encompasses a fully equipped kitchen, a versatile workspace, and a dining area that includes integrated storage solutions. This area is designed for fluid circulation, allowing occupants to navigate effortlessly between spaces.

### Private Living Area

The private area includes a bedroom and a bathroom, arranged to ensure privacy. The bathroom features a shower conveniently adjacent to the bedroom, maximizing space efficiency. Large openings promote natural light, enhancing the comfort of the living environment.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

MUS.home employs materials that demonstrate a commitment to modern sustainability practices. Among these are:

- **Acoustic Panels** (Trodktelt v-line 1-way): These panels enhance indoor acoustics, promoting a quiet space.
- **Thermal Panels** (QuadCore AWP LEC): These provide effective insulation, contributing to energy efficiency.
- **Skylights** (Solatube): These fixtures optimally channel natural light indoors while reducing energy use.
- **Solar Panels**: These enable energy autonomy, reinforcing the project's focus on renewable energy.
- **Wood Elements**: Utilized throughout for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
- **Water Management System**: A water tank supports sustainable resource management.

The construction method emphasizes lightweight, prefabricated components that allow for quick assembly, minimizing disruption to the site.

## Design Innovation

MUS.home stands out for its holistic approach that merges design with functionality:

1. **Versatile Spaces**: Each area is designed for multifunctionality, with the kitchen also serving as a workspace.
2. **Natural Light Integration**: Strategically positioned windows and skylights enhance natural illumination, reducing dependence on artificial lighting.
3. **Passive Solar Design**: The construction takes advantage of the site’s orientation, facilitating natural heating and cooling.
4. **Circulation Pathways**: Carefully planned circulation enhances daily living activities, improving the overall user experience.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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