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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Versatile Retreat

Authors:
Nikole Bouchard, Milo Bonacci
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Versatile Retreat
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a flexible retreat that adapts to seasonal changes while maintaining a strong connection to its local environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Designed as a modular space, allowing for adaptable configurations throughout the year.
04
Incorporates principles of passive design to optimize energy use and comfort.
05
Emphasizes community involvement in sourcing materials and shaping the design.

### Overview
Located in Latvia, the Analog House emphasizes local materials and sustainable practices within its architectural framework. Designed as a timber cabin, the project seeks to engage with the natural environment while accommodating diverse user needs across various seasons. Its innovative approach to flexibility and modularity allows for the creation of versatile spaces suited to different activities and group sizes.

### Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes accessibility and adaptability, ensuring that spaces can be adjusted based on user requirements. Central to this strategy is the use of a modular framework that permits transformation between intimate settings and larger communal areas. This adaptability makes the cabin suitable for a range of occupants, such as families, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts, fostering an environment that can cater to both solitude and socialization.

### Materiality
The construction predominantly features solid timber sourced from sustainable Latvian forests, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and structural durability. The material selection is informed by thermal properties, aesthetic qualities, and local availability, enhancing the cabin’s integration into its surroundings. Additional elements include reclaimed materials to minimize waste and handcrafted components that highlight artisanal techniques, contributing to a unique and culturally resonant architectural expression.

Large windows and open internal layouts facilitate a connection to the outdoor landscape, reinforcing the occupant's relationship with nature and promoting passive climate control techniques that enhance seasonal adaptability. The project demonstrates a thorough understanding of regional climatic conditions, ensuring that the designed environments remain functional and comfortable throughout the year.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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