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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form Sustainable Community Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form Sustainable Community Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a resource-efficient hub that fosters community engagement and supports sustainable practices through dedicated workshops and exchange spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
The structure incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient load-bearing.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for increased interior volume and natural light.
04
Dedicated spaces for material exchange encourage community collaboration.
05
Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting integrated into the design.

### Overview

The Upcycling Hub is located in an urban setting, designed to foster a culture of circularity and sustainability. It aims to provide a physical space for collaborative workshops, resource management, and educational initiatives that enhance community interaction. The design emphasizes adaptive reuse, transforming how communities engage with their resources and promoting environmental stewardship.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The facility's layout is strategically organized to optimize workflow and user accessibility. Designated zones for various material categories—such as glass, metal, wood, and ceramics—facilitate efficient upcycling processes. Community spaces, including meeting rooms, workshops, and social areas, encourage interaction and collaborative learning. Specialized laboratories for research and material experimentation further enhance the hub's role as an incubator for innovation, while the marketplace allows for the exchange and trade of materials, reinforcing economic sustainability within the community.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The Upcycling Hub employs a diverse range of materials, each chosen for its sustainability and functional benefits. Wood serves as a renewable structural element, while expansive glass windows promote natural light and visual connectivity. Durability and flexibility are provided by metal components, and ceramics engage users through hands-on activities. The integration of upcycled materials throughout the design underlines the commitment to circular principles. Eco-friendly systems, including rainwater harvesting and solar panels, are incorporated to further enhance sustainability efforts. Surrounding outdoor gardens serve both as educational resources for sustainable gardening and as tranquil spaces for reflection within the urban environment.

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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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