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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Foster Harmony in Senior Living Design

Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Foster Harmony in Senior Living Design
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a seamless connection to nature while providing a supportive environment for active senior living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, promoting natural light and open spaces.
04
Includes a dedicated music studio for intergenerational collaboration.
05
Offers a rooftop garden to enhance resident connection with nature.

### Overview
River Senior House is located in a mixed-use area comprising both modern condominiums and traditional single-family homes. The design anticipates the significant transition of individuals entering retirement, aiming to promote social interaction and creative pursuits. Its proximity to a music faculty enhances opportunities for collaboration between residents and university students, reinforcing a sense of community within the architectural framework.

### Design and Materiality
The architectural design employs a contemporary aesthetic characterized by a careful selection of materials that enhance both functionality and visual appeal. Key materials include:

- **Brick**: Serving as the primary façade element, it conveys warmth and stability.
- **Concrete**: Utilized for structural components and pathways, it provides durability and an earth-toned palette.
- **Glass**: Generously incorporated in windows, it maximizes natural light and establishes strong connections to the external environment.
- **Wood**: Used for interior finishes and outdoor features, it enhances tactile qualities and resonates with the natural surroundings.

### Spatial Organization
The interior layout is strategically designed to balance communal and private spaces. Ground-level areas are dedicated to social engagement, featuring flexible performance spaces, a café, and music shop, which collectively support interaction among residents. In contrast, the upper floors are reserved for private living units, oriented toward a scenic park, offering a serene retreat from communal activities. Additionally, a roof garden facilitates further engagement with nature, enriching residents' daily experiences.

This well-considered approach addresses not only the comfort and accessibility needs of elderly residents but also promotes ongoing social and cultural participation.

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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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