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Charred Wooden Shingles and Energy-Efficient Design in a Compact Residential Structure

Charred Wooden Shingles and Energy-Efficient Design in a Compact Residential Structure
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a green roof, this compact residential design prioritizes energy efficiency while seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof to enhance insulation and promote biodiversity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for aesthetic appeal and natural weather resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and rapid assembly.
04
Includes expansive glass facades that optimize natural lighting and ventilation.
05
Designed with modular spaces to support versatile living arrangements.

## Overview

Located within a context that necessitates consideration of climatic factors, the design emphasizes a sustainable approach to residential architecture. The "House of the Future" aims to fuse modern aesthetics with functional versatility on a compact plot of less than 400 square meters. This approach prioritizes energy efficiency and integrates features that promote a harmonious relationship with the natural environment.

## Spatial Organization and Flexibility

The layout prioritizes vertical growth to maximize usable space while accommodating various living arrangements. Configurable indoor rooms allow for adaptability to different functions, catering to the evolving needs of families. The design includes both indoor and outdoor spaces that facilitate flexible usage, including potential for future expansion, which ensures the residence can adapt over time without compromising its initial integrity.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural composition is characterized by a modern palette that incorporates sustainable materials, such as concrete, glass, wood, and metal. Concrete is utilized for its structural properties, while expansive glass surfaces optimize natural light and airflow. Wood elements are integrated into outdoor spaces, contributing warmth, whereas metal components enhance durability. Additionally, green roof systems assist in insulation and heat management, reinforcing the project's commitment to ecological standards. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, further fortify the design's sustainability goals, significantly reducing the overall carbon footprint.

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MICROHOME 2026
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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

`
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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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