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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Residential Haven

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Residential Haven
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the residence emphasizes sustainability and comfort while integrating seamlessly with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and increased weather resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and airflow.
04
Features a rooftop garden to promote biodiversity and support ecological systems.
05
Integrates a greywater recycling system for efficient water management and conservation.

## Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the residential structure emphasizes regenerative architecture, focusing on sustainability, harmony with nature, and adaptability. The design intends to create a living environment that not only accommodates its inhabitants but also contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem, establishing a benchmark for future residential developments.

### Biophilic Design and Circular Construction

Central to the design philosophy is the integration of biophilic elements, which promote well-being through the incorporation of natural features. The use of green gardens, natural ventilation systems, and water features fosters an environment that enhances the connection between residents and nature. Additionally, the project employs circular construction principles by utilizing prefabricated components. This strategy minimizes waste, reduces construction time, and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly, ensuring a sustainable approach to building.

### Material and Structural Strategies

The project employs a carefully selected palette of sustainable materials to achieve its design goals. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural material, providing both aesthetic warmth and structural integrity. Sustainable concrete blocks form the foundation, ensuring robustness while reducing environmental impact. Solar panels are utilized for energy generation, aiming for a net-zero energy footprint, alongside operable skylights that enhance natural light and passive ventilation. The thoughtful layout maximizes natural light and cooling benefits, with features such as windcatchers for passive cooling and rainwater harvesting systems that contribute to self-sufficiency, alongside on-site wastewater treatment to reduce reliance on municipal systems.

### Spatial and Functional Layout

The site planning maximizes exposure to natural light while promoting airflow through carefully oriented openings. The ground floor facilitates seamless circulation between communal areas while maintaining privacy for individual quarters through distinct annexes. Retractable doors promote transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The upper floor features modular bedrooms with access to private outdoor terraces, combining personal space with communal connectivity.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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