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Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Design in a Communal Retreat

Authors:
Mateusz Jaworski, Martyna Słowińska, Mikołaj Szewczyk
Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Design in a Communal Retreat
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Circular structures clad in charred wooden shingles create a communal retreat designed for fostering interaction and connection in a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular arrangement promotes egalitarian social interaction.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
The design integrates renewable energy solutions for off-grid living.
05
Communal hearth serves as a focal point for storytelling and gathering.

### Overview
Located in an uninhabited landscape, the design entitled "Gathering" is conceived to enhance communal interaction among travelers and visitors. The project focuses on creating shared experiences and fostering a connection with nature, drawing from historical concepts of communal living where storytelling and bonding were central.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout comprises a cluster of modular structures arranged around a central communal space. This design facilitates gatherings by providing an intimate atmosphere centered on a communal hearth, which serves as both a source of warmth and the focal point for various activities. The central gathering area features a circular arrangement, adaptable to different group sizes and uses, such as dining and artistic expression. Surrounding the central space, individual cabins serve specific functions like sleeping and private retreats while balancing communal living with personal privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and harmony with the environment. Predominantly sourced timber is utilized for external cladding and internal structures, fostering a natural connection to the surroundings. Stone elements, potentially used in foundations, enhance stability and impart a rustic aesthetic. The strategic inclusion of glass maximizes natural light and offers views of the landscape. These choices reflect a commitment to eco-friendly practices, including renewable energy integration and efficient layout strategies, which further support a self-sufficient lifestyle rooted in ecological awareness.

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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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