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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Space

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Space
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Charred wooden shingles enrich the exterior while expansive glass facades create a transparent connection to the landscape, fostering a welcoming environment for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while blending with the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and reduce overall weight.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and promotes efficient airflow.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems support irrigation for the integrated green spaces.
05
Local materials were sourced to minimize environmental impact and enhance regional identity.

**Project Overview**

The architectural design project is situated within a dynamic urban context where it aims to address both functional needs and contextual responsiveness. The intent behind the design is to create a space that not only serves its primary purpose but also fosters community engagement and environmental awareness.

**Spatial Strategy and Movement**

The building is organized into distinct zones that facilitate both privacy and communal interaction. Entry points are deliberately positioned to enhance accessibility, allowing for seamless movement into and out of the space. The interior layout features an open-plan design that maximizes natural light, achieved through strategically placed windows and skylights. This spatial arrangement encourages social interaction while maintaining areas that provide privacy when needed. Additionally, outdoor spaces such as terraces and gardens are integrated, promoting a direct connection with nature and extending usable living areas beyond the building's confines.

**Materiality and Environmental Considerations**

A thoughtfully selected palette of materials anchors the project in its environment. The use of concrete provides structural integrity, while extensive glazing enhances transparency and light penetration. Steel elements contribute to the modern aesthetic, while the inclusion of wood introduces warmth and a tactile quality to various spaces. Ecologically responsible practices are evident in the material choices, with sustainably sourced materials prioritized to enhance the building's overall environmental performance. Features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems are implemented to advance sustainability goals, aligning the project with contemporary green building standards.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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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