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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Distinctive Residential Oasis

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Distinctive Residential Oasis
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A distinctive residential structure showcases charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, expertly merging natural materials with passive cooling features to create a comfortable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes passive cooling techniques through strategically placed wind towers.
05
Integrates landscaped outdoor spaces that harmonize with the building’s form.

### Project Overview

The design is situated within a contemporary urban or semi-urban context, focusing on a harmonious relationship between modern aesthetics and sustainable functionality. The intent is to create a living environment that addresses the physical and emotional needs of its residents through innovative spatial organization and materiality.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is systematically organized into distinct functional areas, enhancing usability and connection throughout the space.

- **Ground Floor:** An open-plan living area integrates living, dining, and outdoor spaces, facilitated by glass walls that provide expansive views of landscaped gardens. This design encourages familiarity and togetherness. The arrangement of kitchen and service areas is strategic, ensuring operational efficiency without compromising the social flow of the primary living spaces.

- **First Floor:** The upper level accommodates private quarters, including bedrooms and study areas, designed for seclusion while maintaining aesthetic coherence with the larger structure. Well-placed windows maximize natural light, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere.

- **Rooftop Features:** The roof design incorporates unique geometries that not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also facilitate functionalities such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy collection.

### Material Selection

Materiality is integral to shaping the project's identity, reflecting both durability and environmental consideration:

- **Wood:** Sustainably sourced wood contributes warmth and a natural texture, reinforcing the connection to the environment.
- **Concrete:** Used to provide structural integrity, concrete offers a modern contrast to the organic wooden elements.
- **Glass:** The extensive use of glass enhances transparency, allowing an abundance of natural light while framing views of the surrounding landscape.
- **Natural Stone:** Natural stone elements are incorporated in flooring and external cladding, adding durability and tactile quality.

This thoughtful material palette not only supports structural performance but also underscores a commitment to ecological sustainability, fostering a living environment that resonates with its natural context.

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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.

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
Final registration deadline 20 May 2026

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