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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Mixed-Use Community Space

Author:
I Hsiang Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Mixed-Use Community Space
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Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels unite to form a sustainable mixed-use development that enhances community interaction and environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural strength while reducing carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Integrated green roofs support local biodiversity and aid in stormwater management.
05
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various community functions and activities.

The project under analysis is a versatile architectural design located in a dynamic urban environment. It serves primarily as a mixed-use development, integrating residential, commercial, and communal spaces. Designed with a focus on community engagement, the project aims to foster interaction among users and strengthen ties within the neighborhood. The design emphasizes a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating an environment that is both welcoming and practical.

A key feature of this architecture is its thoughtful integration into the site. The layout responds to the surrounding context, providing an appropriate scale and massing that respects neighboring structures while offering differentiation. The facade employs a combination of modern materials, including glass, steel, and sustainably sourced wood, creating a visually appealing exterior that harmonizes with the natural landscape.

The project's unique design approach includes the use of an open-floor plan that enhances accessibility and flexibility, allowing spaces to be adapted for different functions. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing occupant comfort. Green roofs and living walls are strategically implemented to provide natural insulation and promote biodiversity, thereby integrating sustainability into the architectural design.

One distinguishing aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainable architecture. The design incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, which significantly lower the ecological footprint. This holistic approach towards sustainability reflects a growing trend within the architectural field, prioritizing environmental responsibility while serving the needs of the community.

The project features communal areas designed to facilitate social interaction, including landscaped gardens and gathering spaces that encourage community activities. These areas reflect the ethos of the design, which aligns with modern urban living where connection and collaboration are valued. Additionally, the strategic positioning of commercial spaces allows for easy access and encourages local entrepreneurship, contributing positively to the neighborhood's economy.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas. These elements provide deeper insights into the project’s innovative approach, material selection, and overall architectural strategy.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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