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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Framework Create Dynamic Community Living Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Framework Create Dynamic Community Living Spaces
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a modular framework, this community-focused development fosters adaptable living environments that encourage social interaction in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Modular framework permits individual resident customization of living spaces.
03
Vertical gardens integrated into the design promote biodiversity and community engagement.
04
Suspension cables support elevated pathways, improving accessibility and connectivity.
05
Standardized components streamline construction and reduce material waste.

**Overview**

Located in a densely populated neighborhood on the outskirts of London, The Frame Collective offers a novel approach to community housing, aiming to enhance social connectivity and address urban living challenges. The design prioritizes modularity and adaptability, creating a framework that encourages community engagement and personal customization of living spaces. By intertwining public and private areas, the project fosters a sense of belonging while addressing the need for affordable housing.

**Modular Design and Spatial Flexibility**

The project employs a modular system that supports various unit configurations, promoting affordability and adaptability. Residents can choose from different dwelling types, such as studios and family units, allowing for arrangement according to both individual and community needs. This flexibility is further enhanced by the structural framework, which accommodates changes in resident circumstances over time.

Additionally, the integration of functional frames supports activities that enhance community interaction, including vertical gardens and open spaces for markets and social events. Pathways throughout the structure encourage fluid movement between private and communal areas, creating an environment that supports engagement while respecting individual privacy.

**Sustainability and Material Choices**

Material selection is crucial to the design’s functionality and sustainability. Standardized pipes provide structural integrity while facilitating flexible design layouts. Rotating connections allow for modular expansion, enabling the living spaces to adapt as community needs evolve. The use of suspension cables contributes to the lightweight appearance of elevated structures, while composite materials enhance durability and sustainability.

The integration of green elements, such as vertical gardens, reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, fostering biodiversity within the urban setting. The overall design approach minimizes construction waste and aims for a reduced environmental impact throughout the project's lifespan.

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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.

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