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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Seaside Living Through Sustainable Material Choices

Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Seaside Living Through Sustainable Material Choices
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Featuring charred wooden shingles and green roofs, the design integrates sustainable materials to create a coastal residential community that enhances the natural environment while fostering social connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features green roofs that integrate vegetation and improve insulation.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural support.
04
Design facilitates optimal natural light and ventilation through large glass elements.
05
Community paths connect public spaces while promoting social interaction.

## Project Overview

Located in a coastal setting, the development aims to establish a connection between architectural design and the natural environment. The intent is to enhance the coastal living experience while promoting a sense of community and accessibility. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability through thoughtful integration of the surrounding topography and existing flora.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration

Material selection plays a crucial role in advancing the project’s sustainability objectives. Wood is employed for facades and communal areas, contributing to an inviting atmosphere while utilizing renewable resources. Glass is prominently featured in windows and balconies, maximizing natural light and offering unobstructed views of the coastline, thereby fostering a sense of openness. Structural elements incorporate metal for durability and aesthetic appeal, while concrete serves as a foundational material, ensuring stability in line with contemporary construction practices.

The project prioritizes environmental responsiveness through the strategic incorporation of vegetation. This not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the development but also supports environmental insulation and mitigates the urban heat island effect. Greenery is integrated into roof designs and along facades, contributing to improved air quality and habitat creation for local wildlife.

## Spatial Organization and Community Focus

The spatial arrangement emphasizes interaction among residents and the fostering of a sense of community. Key features include centralized gathering areas that encourage social engagement, surrounded by thoughtfully landscaped recreational spaces. Residential units are designed to maximize natural light, views, and ventilation while maintaining privacy, with private outdoor terraces serving as extensions of living spaces.

By incorporating shared gardens and pathways, the layout facilitates communal activities and reinforces social connectivity among residents. This design approach reflects contemporary urban living trends that emphasize well-being and interaction within residential environments. Additionally, sustainability initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient designs, further support the overall goal of ecological responsibility.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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