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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Coastal Community Engagement Spaces

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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Coastal Community Engagement Spaces
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Employing charred wooden shingles and a green roof system, the architecture creates a sustainable coastal community center that fosters engagement and connection among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sustainably sourced charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and enhance durability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid assembly and structural integrity.
03
The design incorporates a green roof system to improve biodiversity and manage stormwater.
04
Outdoor gathering spaces are seamlessly integrated with the coastal landscape.
05
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the structure.

## Project Overview

"A Community Beacon" is located within a coastal environment, strategically designed to enhance social interaction while respecting the surrounding landscape. This architectural endeavor emphasizes sustainability, connectivity, and the development of vibrant communal spaces that address both aesthetic and functional needs. The intent is to create a welcoming environment that serves as a focal point for community engagement.

### Building Composition and Spatial Configuration

The design features a series of interconnected structures that accommodate diverse activities, including gathering, dining, and relaxation. Key components include the Chapel, which serves as a central space for spiritual reflection, characterized by open-plan design and high ceilings that maximize natural light. The Community Center facilitates various public activities, prioritizing accessibility and exterior connection through large windows and solar shading devices. Additionally, a Seaside Promenade encourages pedestrian movement, integrating the site’s natural beauty with daily community life.

### Sustainable Practices and Material Selection

The approach to materials incorporates a range of sustainable options selected for their functionality and visual appeal. Wood is prominently used for structural elements, while glass is utilized extensively to enhance natural light and views of the coast. Steel provides structural support in elevated areas, ensuring durability without overwhelming the visual context. Concrete forms the foundation, designed to withstand coastal conditions, while pervious paving aids in stormwater management and minimizes runoff. Green roof systems contribute to ecological performance by enhancing insulation and supporting biodiversity. Sustainability is further emphasized through natural ventilation strategies, the installation of solar panels, and water conservation techniques, including rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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

`
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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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