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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Multifunctional Community Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Multifunctional Community Space
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a versatile community space that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement through its thoughtful layout and material selection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a flexible open floor plan that adapts to various community needs.
02
Incorporates local indigenous plant species in its landscaping to enhance biodiversity.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system integrated into its design for sustainability.
04
Employs natural ventilation strategies to promote energy efficiency throughout the building.
05
The exterior’s charred wooden shingles provide both texture and fire resistance.

**Project Overview**

Located in [insert geographical location], the design embodies a balance between architectural innovation and the natural landscape. The intent is to establish a built environment that fosters community interaction while adhering to principles of sustainability. This project emphasizes an integration of urban living with ecological considerations, reflecting a sensitivity to both the site’s context and societal needs.

**Spatial Strategy and User Experience**

The layout is designed with clearly delineated zones that promote functionality and flexibility. Communal spaces—such as gathering areas and multi-purpose rooms—are strategically positioned to enhance social engagement among users. Open floor plans allow for reconfiguration based on varying community activities, thus accommodating diverse user needs. Large windows and open spaces orient views toward the surrounding environment, establishing a visual connection between indoor areas and outdoor landscapes.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

Material selection focuses on durability and ecological responsibility, contributing to both aesthetic and environmental goals. Recycled steel is utilized for structural support, while locally sourced hardwood provides warmth in interior spaces. High-performance glazing maximizes daylight while minimizing thermal loss, reinforcing energy efficiency. The facade incorporates sustainable concrete mixed with recycled materials, ensuring robustness. Green roof systems, featuring native plant species, promote biodiversity and contribute to the overall sustainability of the site. To enhance indoor air quality, low-VOC paints and finishes have been employed throughout the interior.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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