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Charred Wooden Shingles and Hexagonal Form Create Community Library Focused on Knowledge Exchange

Authors:
Mario Clemente Rossi, Katia Carli, Veronica Insana, Eleonora Secco
Charred Wooden Shingles and Hexagonal Form Create Community Library Focused on Knowledge Exchange
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With a distinctive hexagonal structure clad in charred wooden shingles, the library's design fosters an environment conducive to community engagement and knowledge sharing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact and improve structural performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates community gathering spaces within a multifunctional layout.
05
Emphasizes local cultural elements through architectural motifs and landscaping.

### Overview

The modern library design project is located within a culturally rich urban context, aiming to serve as a community-centric space for knowledge dissemination and interaction. The architectural concept positions the library as a dynamic platform that fosters the exchange of ideas, moving beyond the traditional view of libraries as passive repositories of books. The design prioritizes accessibility and engagement, ensuring that users can navigate the space fluidly and interactively.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The library's layout is characterized by a central circulation area that enhances movement and connectivity among different functional spaces. The internal arrangement includes a foyer, restaurant, office, classrooms, an auditorium, and extensive library facilities, with an emphasis on multifunctionality. Notably, a distribution ramp facilitates exploration of various levels, promoting social engagement while accommodating diverse activities. The spatial strategy encourages both communal gatherings and quiet study, catering to a wide range of user needs.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The architectural form features an organic, undulating structure with a unique envelope comprised of hexagonal and circular patterns that promotes natural light penetration. Key materials include steel for structural support, a glass façade for transparency and outdoor connection, and concrete for durability. This selection not only addresses aesthetic values but also adheres to sustainability principles, maximizing energy efficiency. The integration of external green areas, including local flora, reinforces the library's ties to its natural surroundings, while design motifs reflecting local culture contribute to a strong sense of identity within the community.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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

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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
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