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Charred Wooden Shingles and Hardwood Crafting in Compact Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Julia Stachura, Karolina Kaleta, Oliwia Lipiec
Charred Wooden Shingles and Hardwood Crafting in Compact Urban Living Spaces
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Crafted from charred wooden shingles and local hardwood, this compact urban dwelling maximizes functionality while promoting sustainable living for young families in densely populated neighborhoods.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced hardwood to enhance sustainability and community connection.
02
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support environmental efficiency.
03
Features a modular design that allows for future expansion based on family needs.
04
Utilizes large windows for abundant natural light and outdoor connectivity.
05
Includes a terrace that promotes outdoor living and social interaction.

## Overview

The Microhome project in Brazil aims to address the urgent housing challenges faced by young families in urban areas with limited living space. Located in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, this design prioritizes sustainability and efficient use of space to create a functional and supportive living environment that meets contemporary family needs.

## Spatial Strategy

The microhome's layout emphasizes careful organization of functional areas to optimize daily living. An open-plan configuration facilitates interaction, with clearly defined zones for cooking, dining, and communal activities, promoting a cohesive living experience. Bedrooms are strategically placed to enhance privacy, positioned away from high-traffic areas, with sliding walls that offer flexibility for reconfiguration. The integration of a terrace extends the living area outdoors, enriching the spatial experience while establishing connections to the surrounding environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project utilizes locally sourced materials to foster resilience and sustainability. Local hardwood provides aesthetic warmth and structural integrity, while sheet metal roofing ensures durability in varying weather conditions. Concrete mixed with local aggregates supports foundational stability, addressing site-specific challenges. Ample use of glass enhances natural lighting and visual connectivity to the outdoors, while composite cladding improves insulation and aligns with the local landscape. Key sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels for energy generation, and effective waste management solutions, contributing to environmentally responsible living.

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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.

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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