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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Unite in a Multifunctional Community Hub

Author:
Anna Zozulya
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Unite in a Multifunctional Community Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a harmonious community hub that enhances occupant interaction while prioritizing sustainability and environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to improve natural lighting and ventilation.
02
Incorporates large operable windows that enhance cross-ventilation throughout the space.
03
Features a rooftop garden that supports local biodiversity and community engagement.
04
Employs recycled materials, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates flexible spaces designed to adapt for multiple functions and user needs.

The project is an innovative architectural design that encapsulates modern sustainability principles while reflecting its contextual environment. Located in a specific geographic area, the structure serves a dual purpose, functioning both as a community hub and an educational space. The architectural approach emphasizes harmony with nature, maximizing the potential of natural light and ventilation, which in turn enhances the occupants' experience.

A defining aspect of the design is the integration of green roofs and vertical gardens, which not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also promote biodiversity and improve air quality. The building's layout encourages collaboration and interaction, with open spaces that facilitate movement and communication among users. The design incorporates flexible spaces that can adapt to various functions, embodying the contemporary emphasis on multifunctionality in architecture.

The façade of the building is characterized by a combination of local stone and glass, creating a seamless connection with its surroundings while allowing for energy efficiency. The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, utilizing recycled and low-impact resources wherever possible. Key elements such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems enhance the building's ecological performance, reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs in the long term.

Unique Design Approaches
This project distinguishes itself from similar architectural endeavors through its focus on biophilic design principles, which foster a connection between occupants and the natural environment. The incorporation of large, operable windows allows for cross-ventilation and a significant influx of daylight, mitigating reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical heating or cooling systems.

Furthermore, the layout encourages outdoor engagement, integrating terraces and shaded outdoor areas that serve as extensions of the internal spaces. By blurring the lines between inside and outside, the design not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the environment but also promotes well-being among its users. The project’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its accessible design features, ensuring that the facility serves the broader community without barriers.

Integrative Architectural Features
Key architectural features of the project include a central atrium that acts as the heart of the building, promoting social interaction and offering a visual connection between levels. This thoughtful arrangement allows natural light to penetrate deep into the core of the structure, creating an inviting atmosphere.

In addition, the use of advanced sustainable technologies—including high-performance glazing and efficient HVAC systems—demonstrates an emphasis on energy efficiency. The design incorporates strategically placed overhangs to minimize heat gain while maximizing daylight, showcasing a thorough understanding of climate-responsive architecture.

In summary, this architectural project not only serves its primary function as a community and educational space but also illustrates a commitment to innovative, sustainable design practices. For those interested in exploring the finer details of this architectural endeavor, it is recommended to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural designs presented, which further elucidate the project’s unique narrative and execution.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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