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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Create a Harmonious Living Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Create a Harmonious Living Space
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass walls blend seamlessly to create a residential space that emphasizes sustainability while fostering an unobstructed connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique textural contrast.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength and reduce carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior volume and maximizes natural light.
04
Extensive use of glass fosters transparency and connectivity with the outdoor landscape.
05
Landscaped gardens integrate seamlessly with the architectural form, promoting biodiversity.

### Overview
Located within a context that bridges contemporary living and natural landscapes, the design explores the intersection of residential architecture and ecological sustainability, drawing inspiration from Japanese origami and the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. The intent is to establish a distinctive identity for residential spaces while fostering a deep connection with the environment. The design emphasizes adaptability and fluidity, effectively integrating indoor and outdoor elements while challenging conventional architectural boundaries.

### Materiality and Aesthetics
The project adopts a diverse palette of materials that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Engineered wood is utilized for its warmth and sustainability, forming the backbone of the façade while contributing to thermal insulation. Corten steel introduces a tactile element, evolving over time to reflect the surrounding landscape's complexity. Extensively used glass maximizes natural light and creates transparency, enhancing the relationship between the interior spaces and their environmental context. Marble accents in key areas provide durability and a refined aesthetic, while concrete is employed for its strength as a foundational element and functional outdoor surfaces.

### Spatial Dynamics
The architectural form is characterized by sharp angles and geometric patterns that embody the principles of origami, allowing for a variety of spatial experiences. The design includes articulated shapes that facilitate distinct functions, creating areas conducive to both communal interactions and private retreats. Outdoor integration is prioritized with landscaped gardens and open green spaces that promote outdoor living and ecological awareness. The carefully designed layout supports versatility, allowing spaces to adapt to shifting lifestyle needs, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

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

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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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