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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Circular Urban Living Solution

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Circular Urban Living Solution
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Employing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this circular structure promotes sustainable living through adaptable urban housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and improve insulation.
03
Features a circular layout that fosters community interaction and efficient space use.
04
Integrates energy-generating wind turbines into the architectural design.
05
Incorporates passive ventilation through a perforated metal façade for climate responsiveness.

### Overview

Located in Los Angeles, the Time Round Tower project addresses the challenges of urban housing within a context of economic disparity and traffic congestion. The design focuses on enhancing accessibility and affordability while situated within a complex transportation network. It aims to improve livability in dense urban environments by thoughtfully integrating residential areas with communal spaces, promoting social interaction as well as individual privacy.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The architectural approach emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, utilizing a circular form to facilitate fluid spatial arrangements that can evolve with the needs of occupants. This design incorporates modular components that allow for diverse configurations, supported by movable partitions and adaptable furniture. The strategic integration of communal and private areas encourages a sense of community while catering to varying resident requirements.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A strong emphasis on sustainability is reflected in the project's material choices. The foundation is constructed from concrete, ensuring structural integrity, while cross-laminated timber (CLT) components enhance thermal efficiency and minimize the carbon footprint. Perforated metal panels contribute both to the building's aesthetic and environmental performance by enabling natural ventilation, whereas strategically placed glass elements maximize natural light, fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. The inclusion of wind turbines on the rooftop illustrates a commitment to renewable energy, enhancing energy production and symbolizing a forward-thinking approach to urban living.

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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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