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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Urban Community Space

Authors:
Sebastian Olatte, Francisco Galleguillos, Benjamin Fernandez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Urban Community Space
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Charred wooden shingles envelop a structure built with cross-laminated timber, creating a durable and sustainable urban community space designed for flexible interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction reduces carbon footprint and provides structural integrity.
03
Flexible interior spaces adapt for various community activities and interactions.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the building.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support sustainability initiatives.

The project under analysis is a contemporary architectural design that exemplifies a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context. Situated in an urban environment, the building serves a multifaceted purpose with spaces dedicated to community engagement, commerce, and residential living. This architectural endeavor carefully responds to its geographic location, considering local climatic conditions, site characteristics, and surrounding built environment.

The design employs a cohesive material palette, featuring materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, steel, and sustainable timber. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone of the project, providing stability and durability. The glass elements create transparency, enhancing natural light within the interiors while allowing visual connectivity with the external environment. Steel is utilized for structural support and detailing, contributing to the architectural articulation of the façade. Sustainable timber elements are strategically incorporated to soften the overall aesthetic and add warmth to communal areas.

One significant aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates passive heating and cooling strategies, maximizes natural ventilation, and utilizes renewable energy sources. This approach not only reduces the building’s ecological footprint but also enhances the quality of spaces for occupants. Rainwater harvesting systems and green roofs further contribute to environmental sustainability, showcasing contemporary architectural approaches that prioritize ecological responsibility.

The interior layout is carefully considered, promoting flexibility and adaptability. Communal spaces are designed to foster interaction and collaboration, reflecting the project’s emphasis on community well-being. Private areas maintain a level of privacy and comfort, demonstrating attention to user experience. The arrangement of spaces promotes ease of movement and visual connectivity, maximizing the use of available light and spatial dimensions.

In addition to sustainability and functionality, the project distinguishes itself through innovative use of materials and design techniques. The incorporation of biophilic design principles introduces natural elements into the architecture, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces encourages a seamless transition between the natural environment and the built form.

Visitors and users alike are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into this project. Each element has been crafted with intention, establishing a holistic architectural narrative that invites further investigation into its design outcomes and conceptual foundations. Detailed examinations of materiality and spatial organization underscore the careful consideration given to both context and user experience, prompting a dialogue on contemporary architectural ideas and approaches.

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Enter an open architecture
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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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