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A Residence Composed of Interlocking Timber Volumes

A Residence Composed of Interlocking Timber Volumes
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Located in a temperate climate zone, the residence explores a modern approach to family living through a series of interlocking volumes. The design emphasizes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting adaptable living patterns while responding to environmental considerations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Composed of interlocking rectangular volumes.
02
Encourages movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
Interior layout designed for adaptability with changing needs.
04
Utilizes Cross Laminated Timber for sustainable construction.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports resource efficiency.

Set in a temperate climate, the Wooden Block House is designed to establish a close relationship between domestic life and the surrounding landscape. Composed of interlocking rectangular volumes, the structure reinterprets traditional residential forms to accommodate the needs of a young family. The overall intent is to balance everyday livability with openness to outdoor engagement, creating a residential environment that supports both communal and individual routines.

Spatial composition and user interaction
The arrangement of stacked and shifted blocks introduces a sense of spatial play while supporting functional clarity. Each indoor zone is paired with an adjacent outdoor space, encouraging movement between interior and exterior areas throughout the day. The interior layout is designed for adaptability, allowing rooms to evolve with changing family needs. Large-format windows enhance daylight access and provide continuous visual connections to the landscape, contributing to a heightened sense of spatial depth and comfort.

Material strategy and environmental performance
The structure utilizes Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for its renewable properties and efficient construction performance. Metal roof panels offer long-term durability and facilitate effective rainwater collection, which is integrated into a harvesting system for reuse. Photovoltaic panels support on-site energy generation, while insulated glazing and natural ventilation strategies contribute to passive climate control. Together, these elements reinforce the project’s emphasis on sustainable design and long-term resource efficiency.

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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.

The Next House: USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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