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Charred Wooden Shingles and Adaptive Reuse Enhance Urban Living in Intergenerational Housing

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Charred Wooden Shingles and Adaptive Reuse Enhance Urban Living in Intergenerational Housing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and engineered wood, the design creates a sustainable urban habitat that fosters intergenerational interaction through shared communal spaces and diverse living options.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light penetration and views.
04
Integrates indoor gardens to promote well-being and improve air quality.
05
Includes adaptable living units tailored for diverse age groups to foster intergenerational connections.

### Project Overview
The Mixed-age Community (MAC) is designed to create an urban living environment that promotes interaction and support among diverse age groups, particularly between the elderly and younger individuals. The project focuses on spatial configurations that facilitate social exchange while addressing contemporary needs for sustainable, integrated living solutions in urban contexts.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural layout incorporates communal spaces, including social plazas, gardens, and shared facilities, balanced with individual living units that cater to the different demographic groups. Living unit categories include designated spaces for elderly residents, intergenerational units accommodating both youth and seniors, and units for young families, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The design emphasizes permeability with pathways and outdoor areas that allow for natural ventilation and light, enhancing overall livability and establishing zones for relaxation and recreation.

### Material and Structural Strategy
A careful selection of materials enhances both sustainability and aesthetics. The project utilizes engineered wood, concrete, and glass to create a welcoming and durable environment that maximizes natural light and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas. Integrated vegetation supports biodiversity and improves air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment. The structure employs lightweight materials that facilitate efficient assembly, reduce waste, and allow for flexibility in design, promoting a cohesive communal atmosphere supported by functional amenities such as communal kitchens and educational facilities.

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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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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