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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shaping Sustainable Living Environments for Seniors

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shaping Sustainable Living Environments for Seniors
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Built with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the residence seamlessly integrates nature with accessibility, creating an inviting community space for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize interior space and light.
04
Includes integrated vertical gardens for improved air quality and resident well-being.
05
Designed with extensive accessibility features to ensure mobility for all residents.

### Overview
Harmony Senior Housing is situated in Harkány, Hungary, aimed at repurposing an existing building into a supportive and sustainable community for senior citizens. The project emphasizes fostering social interaction, individual well-being, and environmental responsibility, creating a living space that accommodates the diverse needs of its elderly residents while integrating with the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes a balanced arrangement of private and communal spaces, promoting both individual privacy and social engagement. Functional zones include communal kitchens, physiotherapy rooms, libraries, and workshops, all thoughtfully interspersed with residential quarters. This configuration is designed to enhance accessibility, with clear pathways and vertical circulation that facilitate ease of movement for all residents, regardless of mobility challenges.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Key materials are chosen for both their aesthetic qualities and sustainability. Extensive use of wood for flooring and railing creates an inviting atmosphere, while ceramic bricks in the façade offer durability and energy efficiency. The incorporation of glass throughout the design maximizes natural light and visual integration with the environment. Additionally, the project employs principles of sustainable architecture, utilizing locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems, such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). The building’s orientation and shading devices are designed to optimize natural climate control, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. The integration of vertical gardens further enhances ecological empathy and strengthens the connection between the residents and nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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