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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Integrated Living Spaces in Urban Environment

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Integrated Living Spaces in Urban Environment
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this development seamlessly integrates private terraces and communal gardens to enhance urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainable sourcing.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and panoramic views.
04
Includes integrated communal gardens that promote biodiversity and urban ecology.
05
Employs passive solar principles for energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

# Vancouver Valley Architectural Design Project Overview

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Vancouver Valley project adopts a sustainable approach to urban architecture, emphasizing community living through an integration of natural elements and modern residential spaces. The design addresses urban density challenges by fostering social interaction, ecological sustainability, and quality of life. It embodies a vision for a community-oriented environment that promotes connectivity among residents while remaining anchored to the local ecosystem.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The spatial organization of the project highlights a human-scale design, characterized by organic forms and terraced structures that resonate with Vancouver's topography. This layout facilitates communal activities and encourages interaction among residents, incorporating open walkways and social zones that promote a sense of belonging. Individual residential units are designed with terraces and gardens, providing direct engagement with nature and enhancing recreational opportunities. Communal facilities, such as shared gardens and activity spaces, support social cohesion and foster community relationships.

## Sustainable Materiality and Energy Solutions

The material selection is grounded in principles of sustainability and resilience. Predominantly, wood is utilized for both structural and external finishes, creating a natural aesthetic, while concrete provides strength for foundational elements. Glass elements enhance transparency and daylighting, contributing to the overall ambiance of the interiors. Steel frameworks offer structural support and modern design characteristics.

On the sustainability front, the integration of renewable energy sources and efficient heating systems underscores the project's commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint. Passive solar design strategies are incorporated to optimize energy efficiency, ensuring a functional and environmentally responsive building. Green roofs and terraces not only enhance the quality of the living environment but also support urban biodiversity and ecological benefits.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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