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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a harmonious blend of sustainability and functionality in a versatile community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant exterior while enhancing visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a robust structure with reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and natural light distribution.
04
The landscape integrates native planting to promote local biodiversity and sustainability.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate various community activities and events.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the housing community design addresses the specific climatic challenges and social dynamics of the region. The intent is to create a sustainable residential environment that promotes community interaction while prioritizing energy efficiency and privacy. This approach facilitates a reexamination of traditional housing models within the context of modern urban living.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

The layout encourages social interaction through shared spaces, prominently featuring central gardens and traditional Sikka pathways. These communal gardens provide shaded areas for residents to engage and connect with one another, while Sikka pathways enhance circulation and natural ventilation, reflecting local cultural heritage. The arrangement of residential units ensures a balance between privacy and accessibility, with a strategic setback of three meters from property boundaries aligned with Dubai's Building Code, facilitating both residential comfort and community connectivity.

### Climate Adaptation and Material Selection

The design incorporates various strategies to respond effectively to Dubai's harsh climate. Building orientation along a north-south axis minimizes exposure to direct sunlight and mitigates overheating, while earth cooling tubes contribute to natural ventilation, optimizing airflow through strategically placed openings. Material selection is also critical, with options such as AAC blocks and lightweight, reflective surfaces employed to enhance thermal performance and reduce heat absorption. The use of sustainable materials, including vapor barriers and insulation boards, further enhances the overall resilience and energy efficiency of the structures.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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