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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Sustainable Cabin Experience

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Sustainable Cabin Experience
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the cabin seamlessly integrates sustainable construction with its natural surroundings to provide a multifunctional space for recreation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes communal gardening spaces to promote local food production and community engagement.
05
Strategically positioned among cypress trees to minimize ecological impact and enhance biodiversity.

**Overview**
Located amidst a diverse natural landscape, the "l.f.c. (language. fire. cabin.)" project engages with its environment through innovative architectural solutions. The design framework emphasizes a relationship between language, fire, and nature, aiming to redefine the conventional cabin experience. The intent is to create a structure that responds to environmental variables while promoting sustainable living practices.

**Spatial Strategy and User Interaction**
The spatial arrangement within the cabin reflects a deep connection to the natural surroundings. The design features twisting forms and varied roof pitches that convey harmony with the landscape, reinforcing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the structure. Key areas, including a vegetable garden, barbecue station, and communal fire pit, are strategically integrated to facilitate recreational activities and foster community engagement, encouraging collaboration among users.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
A focus on innovative material choices underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Techniques such as Shou Sugi Ban enhance durability, while mirrored glass and glass with integrated solar panels contribute to energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of wood insulation and Kingspan Troditek-Vine acoustic panels supports a natural aesthetic and improves environmental performance. This careful curation of materials not only establishes a visual narrative but also ensures the cabin's functionality aligns with ecological principles, promoting self-sufficiency and minimizing energy consumption.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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