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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Suites in Sustainable Elderly Housing

Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Suites in Sustainable Elderly Housing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and modular design, this sustainable elderly housing complex offers adaptable living spaces that enhance community interaction and accessibility for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize strength and reduce construction waste.
03
Features modular units that allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to individual needs.
04
Includes accessible outdoor gardens designed to promote biodiversity and resident interaction.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to maximize natural light and improve energy efficiency.

### Overview

Located in Canada, Cummincrest Living is designed to address the needs of elderly populations within a community-oriented framework. The project aims to provide housing solutions that promote social interaction and inclusivity in response to contemporary approaches in elderly care. This report will examine the design concept, spatial organization, material choices, and notable features that are integral to the initiative.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of Cummincrest Living is organized across three levels, each serving distinct purposes to foster community engagement.

- **First Floor**: This level includes a Community Plaza, Cafeteria, Gallery, Recreation Room, Library, and Fitness Center, encouraging social activities and communal gatherings.

- **Second Floor**: Primarily residential, it comprises a mix of private and semi-private units along with a Recreational Balcony designed to facilitate outdoor interaction.

- **Third Floor**: Additional residential units are complemented by an accessible Roof Garden that provides an inviting outdoor space for relaxation and social activities.

The strategic placement of communal facilities near residential units enhances accessibility and supports community interaction among residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Cummincrest Living utilizes a diverse selection of materials that balance functionality and aesthetic appeal:

- **Concrete**: Provides structural integrity and durability.
- **Glass**: Features prominently in windows and partitions, maximizing natural light and fostering visibility.
- **Wood**: Used in interior finishes and furnishings, adding warmth to the living spaces.
- **Metal**: Incorporated within structural elements and outdoor furniture, contributing to a modern feel and practicality.

These materials are combined thoughtfully to create a safe, visually inviting environment that promotes healthy living. Sustainability is also a core consideration, as evidenced by the integration of green spaces and landscaping that bolster biodiversity, thus enhancing the ecological footprint of the development.

### Notable Features

The design includes modular housing units with a flexible system that accommodates varying needs of elderly residents, allowing for customization in living arrangements. Age-appropriate furnishings are incorporated throughout, such as lightweight chairs and assistive beds, catering specifically to the needs of older adults. Each floor provides access to outdoor gardens, serving not only as pleasant retreats but also as communal gathering spaces enriched with native plant species. Movable outdoor furniture further encourages social interactions, while dedicated facilities such as libraries and recreational areas foster community engagement. These thoughtful elements collectively enhance the living experience and support a connected community atmosphere.

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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

`
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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