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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Multifunctional Community Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Multifunctional Community Space
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a cohesive community hub that integrates sustainable practices with multifunctional spaces for diverse activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes communal terraces that foster social interaction and outdoor engagement.
05
Integrates solar panels seamlessly into the roof, reducing energy consumption.

### Overview

Located in the Emirati context, the "Shared Boundaries" residential design project explores the integration of cultural principles of sharing and community within its framework. This initiative aims to redefine residential living by emphasizing communal relationships and shared experiences while maintaining respect for individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs an innovative approach to plot boundaries, incorporating shared walls constructed from rammed earth. This choice not only enhances structural integrity but also supports environmental efficiency by reducing energy demands throughout the building's lifecycle. The revival of the courtyard concept is central to the spatial arrangement, promoting interaction among residents and serving as a focal point for communal activities. The residential units are organized into standard and expanded forms, allowing for flexibility that caters to varying family sizes and encourages social engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project prioritizes sustainable material choices, with rammed earth as the primary building material, noted for both its thermal mass and aesthetic qualities. Its natural earth tones offer visual harmony with the surrounding landscape. Precast panels maintain structural integrity while allowing for diverse interior layouts, and engineered wood enhances acoustic performance within living spaces. Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and ventilation, reinforcing connections between indoor and outdoor environments. This careful selection of materials underlines a commitment to reducing the overall carbon footprint, aligning with current trends in sustainable architecture.

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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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