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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass at a Residential Retreat by the Lake
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design seamlessly connects indoor spaces with the serene landscape of Lake of the Woods, creating a functional residential retreat that emphasizes sustainability and natural light.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Includes concentric wooden screens that create dynamic interior light patterns.
05
Strategically oriented to capture solar gain while minimizing summer heat.

### Overview
Located along the serene shores of Lake of the Woods in Canada, the Sol/Luna project was developed as a response to the Home of Shadows International Architecture Competition. This design reflects an exploration of the interplay between sunlight and shadow, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings. Drawing from the duality represented by the sun and moon, the project emphasizes both the functionality of living spaces and their aesthetic integration with the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout features fluid spatial arrangements that promote connectivity among different areas of the home. Central to the design is a circular pathway that encourages movement and interaction. This configuration allows for dynamic light distribution, with specific considerations to optimize solar gain throughout the year. Key spaces include a living room with expansive glazing that offers unobstructed views of the landscape, a centrally located kitchen and dining area to facilitate social engagement, and strategically placed bedrooms and restrooms to ensure privacy while maintaining access to natural light.

### Material Considerations
The material palette is deliberately chosen to reflect the surrounding environment while prioritizing sustainability. Wood serves as a primary material, providing warmth and tactile quality in both structural and finish elements. Glass is extensively used to create transparency, inviting nature into the living areas and allowing for panoramic views. Concrete offers structural integrity and contrast, while local stone features reinforce the connection to the site. Additionally, thin vertical screens serve to partition spaces subtly and create engaging light patterns that shift throughout the day, enhancing the interior atmosphere.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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

`
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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