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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Transform Community Interaction in Urban Setting

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Transform Community Interaction in Urban Setting
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a translucent glass facade, the design redefines urban community spaces by creating a harmonious environment that fosters interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while providing a distinctive texture and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create an efficient structural framework that reduces construction time and energy consumption.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for a unique silhouette that organically integrates with the surrounding landscape.
04
The project incorporates passive solar design principles, maximizing natural light and minimizing energy usage throughout the year.
05
Dedicated community spaces are strategically positioned to encourage social interaction and engagement among users.

## Overview

Located in an urban environment characterized by socio-economic diversity, the design addresses issues of inequality by creating adaptable residential units that foster community interactions. By integrating traditional Islamic architectural principles with modern sustainability goals, the approach emphasizes both shared living spaces and individual privacy, tailoring a solution for today’s urban challenges.

## Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization prioritizes flexibility and modularity, allowing residents to modify living areas according to their cultural and familial requirements. The layout is defined by a central staircase that serves dual purposes: it facilitates vertical connectivity among the multi-level structure and acts as a communal hub, promoting social interaction among residents. Various floor plans exemplify this adaptability, from base designs incorporating shared facilities to evolved configurations with additional bedrooms and flexible spaces for changing family dynamics.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a selection of materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Brick forms the primary structural element, providing thermal insulation through its sturdy walls. Performance glass is incorporated to optimize daylighting without excessive heat gain, while contemporary lattice screens draw from traditional mashrabiya to offer shade and privacy. Sustainability features include solar panels for energy generation, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural cooling strategies that improve airflow, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

These design decisions collectively contribute to a residential environment that embodies cultural heritage while promoting a sustainable future.

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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.

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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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