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Charred Wooden Shingles and Aluminum Facades in Compact Autonomous Living Units

Charred Wooden Shingles and Aluminum Facades in Compact Autonomous Living Units
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and aluminum facades, these compact autonomous living units exemplify modern sustainable design while seamlessly integrating into diverse natural environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity while minimizing weight.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for increased spatial efficiency and unique visual character.
04
Designed for easy transport and installation in remote locations, promoting accessibility.
05
Modular elements allow for multifunctional spaces tailored to diverse living needs.

## Project Overview

Situated in various remote locations, the design aims to create autonomous living spaces that integrate advanced technologies with natural environments. The intent is to fulfill contemporary demands for sustainability, connectivity to nature, and functional living solutions within diverse geographical contexts. The concept emphasizes a harmonious relationship between human habitats and the surrounding ecosystems.

### Spatial Strategy and Adaptability

The architectural layout features compact, multifunctional units designed to accommodate a range of environments, from wooded landscapes to arctic regions. The design emphasizes modularity and efficiency, with spaces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a living area that converts from a sleeping space to a dining area. This flexibility underscores the project’s commitment to adaptability and ease of transport or installation in varying climatic conditions.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A strategic selection of materials is integral to achieving the project’s goals. Durable aluminum cladding contributes to a modern aesthetic while ensuring weather resistance. Large glass panels enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors, promoting an open and inviting atmosphere. In addition, the use of composite materials for insulation addresses energy efficiency, particularly in extreme climates. Sustainable wood, sourced from reclaimed or responsibly managed forests, reinforces the ecological focus of the design. These material choices collectively work to minimize the overall environmental impact while enhancing user experience.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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.

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