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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Dynamic Retreat Emphasizing Nature Interaction

Authors:
Rinaldo D’alessandro, Gabriele Gentilomo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Dynamic Retreat Emphasizing Nature Interaction
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design emphasizes seamless interaction with the surrounding landscape while creating a flexible living space that adapts to various functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal while minimizing maintenance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and sustainability for the lightweight design.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the living space.
04
Movable interior elements allow multifunctionality and adaptability to user needs.
05
The design integrates seamlessly with the landscape to preserve natural topography and ecosystem.

The Sliding Pods project represents a thoughtful exploration of modern architecture aimed at creating adaptable living spaces that harmonize with nature. The design focuses on sustainable practices, utilizing natural materials and innovative construction techniques to minimize ecological impact. By prioritizing an interactive experience, this architecture facilitates a connection between the inhabitants and their environment.

The central concept of the project revolves around flexibility and modularity, with a design that allows the structure to respond to various user needs and environmental conditions. Sliding roofs and movable interior elements enable the space to transform according to specific uses, whether for relaxation or social interaction. This dynamic setup blends functionality with simplicity, resulting in a minimalist space that promotes well-being and mindfulness.

The primary materials identified in this project include wood, which serves as the main structural element, and transparent panels that foster light and connectivity with the surroundings. The choice of these materials reflects an eco-conscious design philosophy, ensuring that the project aligns with sustainability goals. Moreover, the integration of insulation materials and potential energy-efficient technologies further emphasizes the project’s commitment to resource conservation.

Unique Design Approaches
One of the notable aspects of the Sliding Pods project is the incorporation of moving roof elements, allowing for a greater degree of environmental interaction. This feature strategically facilitates the harnessing of solar energy and maximizes natural ventilation, enhancing thermal performance. Additionally, the design minimizes its physical footprint, resting lightly on the landscape to preserve the existing ecosystem while ensuring that the living space aesthetically complements its setting.

Another distinct feature involves the use of adaptable furniture and internal configurations. This allows inhabitants to customize their living environment easily, accommodating different activities and preferences. The approach encourages a lifestyle that is not only functional but also promotes a deep engagement with natural surroundings, contributing to the overall quality of life for occupants.

Integrated Living Spaces
The interior design focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere with an emphasis on natural light. The strategic arrangement of transparent elements and the configuration of internal spaces foster an openness that blurs the boundary between inside and outside. This integration enhances the user experience, facilitating a sense of tranquility while encouraging contact with nature.

Each element of the design has been carefully considered to maximize its utility and aesthetic value while maintaining clarity and simplicity. The combination of sustainable material choices, adaptive functionality, and thoughtful architectural planning positions the Sliding Pods project as a noteworthy example of contemporary architecture.

For a deeper understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more details. The insights gained will enhance appreciation for the unique architectural ideas that underscore this innovative design.

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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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