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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Micro Living Community

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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Micro Living Community
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters a sustainable micro living environment that promotes community interaction and environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to maximize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space while providing distinctive aesthetics.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems to support eco-friendly water usage.
05
Promotes community interaction through shared green spaces and communal gathering areas.

### Overview
Ecovillage Oasis is situated within a natural landscape, designed as a sustainable micro home community that embodies principles of environmental sustainability, community-oriented living, and accessibility. The project integrates innovative technologies with practical functionality, creating affordable housing solutions that enhance social interaction among residents.

### Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
This project employs a variety of sustainable practices aimed at minimizing its ecological footprint. Incorporating elements such as photovoltaic panels and green roofs, it harnesses renewable energy and facilitates rainwater collection. The design includes barrier-free pathways and adaptable spaces, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those with disabilities. Communal areas are strategically placed to foster social engagement, reinforcing the importance of neighborly interaction in a shared living environment.

### Architectural Elements
The layout of the micro homes is optimized for functionality, clearly defining the living zones, kitchen, and bathrooms for enhanced operational flow. Open-plan designs allow flexibility for multiple uses, accommodating dining, relaxation, or work activities. Features such as large windows and skylights enhance natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling systems.

Materials chosen for both exterior and interior construction reflect a commitment to sustainability. The external cladding utilizes timber and advanced insulation systems, while internal spaces benefit from bamboo flooring and eco-friendly paints. Smart home technologies streamline functionality and energy usage, further enhancing living experiences in the community.

Landscaping is intentionally designed to create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring paths bordered by native vegetation that enhance ecological value. The micro homes demonstrate modularity and adaptability, allowing for potential future expansions to accommodate changing family or community needs. Recycled and low-embodied carbon materials underscore the project's lifecycle consideration, enhancing its sustainable credentials.

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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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