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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Patricia Varela, Gustavo Marzoa, Marcelo Baldassari, Florencia Varela
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub
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Charred wooden shingles envelop a transparent glass facade, creating a dialogue between natural materials and light while serving as a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and energy efficiency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
04
Landscaped outdoor areas integrate seamlessly with indoor spaces for community use.
05
Movable partitions allow for dynamic reconfiguration of multifunctional spaces.

### Project Overview
The design is situated in an area characterized by a mix of communal, educational, and cultural activities, aiming to create a space that encourages social interaction and engagement among diverse user groups. The design reflects a careful consideration of its surrounding environment, prioritizing sustainability and promoting a sense of community.

### Spatial Organization
The facility is structured over multiple levels, each dedicated to specific functions such as education, dining, and recreational activities. Key features of the design include:

- **Public Spaces**: The ground floor includes expansive public areas that serve as gathering points, enhanced by landscaped sections with greenery and seating arrangements.
- **Culinary Facilities**: A café and restaurant are strategically located to facilitate social interactions across different zones.
- **Educational Amenities**: Spaces designated for workshops and exhibitions foster creative and educational activities.
- **Conference Areas**: The inclusion of multiple conference rooms offers versatility for a range of events.
- **Library and Quiet Zones**: A combination of open and private spaces supports study and contemplation.
- **Adaptability**: Movable partitions and flexible layouts allow the building to accommodate changing needs over time.

### Material Selection
Innovative materials are employed throughout the design, both to enhance functionality and to create visual appeal:

- **Glass**: Used prominently in facades, glass allows for natural light penetration while establishing a transparent connection to the exterior.
- **Steel**: This material forms the structural framework, offering strength and enabling spacious interiors.
- **Concrete**: Serves as a foundational and core component, ensuring durability.
- **Sustainable Landscaping**: The integration of plant life not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

### Distinguishing Features
Several notable aspects enhance the project's impact within the community:

- **Sustainability Practices**: The design incorporates recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems, aiming to reduce the overall ecological footprint.
- **Community Focus**: The layout and spaces foster inclusivity, serving as platforms for various social and cultural activities.
- **Dynamic Aesthetic**: Hexagonal facade patterns generate visual interest and facilitate interaction with light and shadow, emphasizing architectural innovation.
- **Visual Connectivity**: Transparent facade sections blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, promoting engagement.

The facility embodies a commitment to functionality, creativity, and sustainability, reflecting the evolving needs of the community.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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