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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Retreat Nestled in Nature

Authors:
Charlie Doman-lees, Adam J Cross
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Retreat Nestled in Nature
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design emphasizes sustainability while fostering community interaction in a serene retreat setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that minimize environmental impact while providing structural strength.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and enhances the connection with the surrounding landscape.
04
Private living accommodations include direct access to communal gardens, promoting communal living.
05
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support sustainable practices throughout the site.

### Overview
The design proposal is situated in a natural context with the intent to promote interactions between the built environment and its surroundings. The site plan incorporates a variety of functional spaces aimed at enhancing relaxation, wellness, and community engagement. A key aspect of the project is the integration of features that facilitate a connection with the landscape, presenting an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a restorative experience.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The site emphasizes accessibility and the user journey by situating the parking area at a distance from the primary living spaces, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in nature upon arrival. A network of pathways strategically links key areas, such as the reception, dining, and accommodation units. These routes are designed to enhance sensory engagement, with landscaped gardens and natural features augmenting the experience.

The communal area acts as the focal point, combining reception, bar, exercise, and dining spaces to foster social interaction among visitors. This open-plan layout is designed to encourage community engagement, while private accommodations feature individual entrances to maintain user privacy while still offering proximity to communal activities. Wellness facilities, such as saunas positioned alongside the river, provide calming experiences influenced by the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices
The proposed material palette includes timber for façades to create a warm aesthetic that aligns with sustainability goals, while concrete is used in areas requiring durability. Glass elements are incorporated to maximize natural light and provide views of the surrounding environment.

A central feature of the site is a vegetable and fruit garden, which promotes self-sufficiency and encourages resident participation. The design also prioritizes communal living through shared dining spaces and lounge areas, reinforcing the project's commitment to fostering a sense of community. Existing natural elements, including trees and water features, are thoughtfully integrated into the design, ensuring that the architecture respects and enhances the site’s natural characteristics.

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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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