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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Form a Sustainable Workspace Integrated with Nature

Author:
Jumana Al-sammarraie
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Form a Sustainable Workspace Integrated with Nature
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades create a seamless interaction between the interior workspace and the surrounding landscape, emphasizing sustainability while facilitating a collaborative environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability while optimizing interior space.
04
Extensive glass facades maximize natural light and connect interior with the landscape.
05
Green roof systems support biodiversity and improve insulation efficiency.

### Overview and Context

Situated near the Varta River and adjacent to La Dąbrowski Forest, the Green Units project merges contemporary workspace design with sustainable principles. This location not only facilitates urban accessibility but also underscores a commitment to integrating natural elements into the workspace. The design aims to cultivate a communal atmosphere that enhances productivity and creativity among users, striving for a balance between natural and built environments.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The structure presents a fragmented form characterized by interconnected units of varying heights and orientations, symbolizing adaptability and innovation. Each workspace features an open layout with extensive glass facades that foster transparency and promote natural light penetration. This design strategy blurs the distinctions between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging a connection with the surrounding landscape. Functional areas within the complex are thoughtfully divided, incorporating co-working spaces conducive to collaboration, private offices offering privacy, and public amenities designed to facilitate informal interactions.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality

The project incorporates a range of sustainable features, including green roofs that support insulation and stormwater management while providing recreational space. To evoke a sense of ecological responsibility, design elements reflect the water features of the nearby river. Passive ventilation techniques leverage natural airflow to enhance indoor air quality and temperature regulation. The material palette includes reinforced concrete for structural durability, extensive glass for transparency, and a metal framework that supports cantilevered sections, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional integrity. Native plantings in the landscaping reduce irrigation needs and foster local wildlife habitats, emphasizing an integrated approach to environmental stewardship.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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