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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Self-Sufficient Residential Design

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Self-Sufficient Residential Design
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design exemplifies a self-sufficient residential space that harmonizes modern living with sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and increase strength.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes a roof garden for organic food production directly accessible from living spaces.
05
Integrates solar photovoltaic panels for self-sustaining energy needs.

### Overview
Located in an adaptable geographical context, the House of Future exemplifies a design focused on sustainability and self-sufficiency. The intent is to create a livable habitat that utilizes renewable energy and supports eco-friendly practices while serving as a model for future residential developments. The integration of functional spaces with agricultural elements reflects a commitment to effective resource use and environmental compatibility.

### Spatial Configuration
The design features multiple levels—ground floor, first floor, roof, and basement—each uniquely optimized for functionality and user experience.

- The **Ground Floor** accommodates essential living areas, including a kitchen, dining room, and a flexible space adaptable for various uses such as a cinema or additional living quarters.
- The **First Floor** is designed for privacy, incorporating bedrooms that benefit from ample natural light through large windows, enhancing ventilation and comfort.
- A **Roof Garden** further supports sustainability by facilitating urban gardening, allowing residents to grow vegetables, herbs, and succulents.
- The **Basement** provides additional storage and versatile space, catering to the occupants' evolving needs.

### Material Selection
The project emphasizes the use of sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact while enhancing aesthetic quality.

- **Low-E Glass** is employed for windows to improve energy efficiency and ensure natural lighting.
- **Solar Photovoltaic Panels** are strategically placed on the roof to capture solar energy, contributing to the home's self-sufficiency.
- Additional eco-friendly building components, including a **Brise Soleil** feature on the southern facade, help regulate temperature by providing shade and reducing heat gain.

### Agricultural Integration
The landscaping design enhances both the environmental footprint and visual appeal of the development.

- The **roof garden** features Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme, which serve both decorative and functional purposes.
- Ground-level **vegetable gardens** include a variety of produce, such as carrots, tomatoes, and spinach, promoting food independence for residents.
- Furthermore, the inclusion of **fruit trees** like olives and strawberries augments the residential capacity for food production, emphasizing the project's commitment to self-sufficiency.

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Enter an open architecture
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The Next House: USA
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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