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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Envelop a Community-Focused Space

Author:
Tzu Chi Chiu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Envelop a Community-Focused Space
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Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a harmonious blend of natural aesthetics and functionality in a community space designed for storytelling and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer both structural strength and aesthetic warmth.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light penetration and views.
04
Dedicated storytelling areas cater specifically to community engagement and children’s activities.
05
Integrated landscaping seamlessly connects the building with its natural surroundings.

### Overview
Located in Tainan, Taiwan, the project "You Were" is designed as a communal space that fosters interaction and engagement with both the environment and community. The intent is to create an urban refuge that encourages contemplation and participation, integrating built structures with natural landscapes. This design addresses themes of memory and spirituality, aiming to function as a narrative space where users can connect with one another.

### Spatial Strategy
The structure is organized over multiple levels, with a ground floor that establishes a dialogue between the internal areas and the external environment. Specific zones within the building serve distinct purposes: a storytelling area encourages communal engagement, therapy rooms provide a tranquil setting for individual reflection, and gathering spaces promote collaboration and family interaction. The design includes a bridge that enhances vertical and horizontal relationships, facilitating movement and encouraging a playful atmosphere.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection is key to establishing a connection with the surrounding nature and supporting the sustainability goals of the project. Wood is utilized to create inviting spaces, while extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light and a blurred distinction between indoor and outdoor environments. Concrete provides structural support, treated to maintain a soft aesthetic, complemented by stone paths that enhance the natural landscape. The project prioritizes long-lasting materials with minimal environmental impact, balancing aesthetic considerations with ecological responsibility.

The landscape design integrates existing flora into the overall narrative, creating a central garden space that serves as a focal point, merging structured design elements with the surrounding natural features. Such integration promotes a dynamic interaction between the architecture and the landscape, enhancing the user experience while encouraging respect for the natural environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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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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