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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Wood Create a Dynamic Civic Hub

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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Wood Create a Dynamic Civic Hub
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the civic hub serves as a contemporary space for public engagement and community administration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability in construction.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior height while creating visual interest.
04
Utilizes large glass sections to foster natural light and community visibility.
05
Designed with flexible spaces to adapt to various public functions and events.

### Overview and Context
The Public Administration Building and Freedom Square are situated in a central European city, intended to modernize the urban environment while enhancing community interaction and functionality. The project seeks to establish a civic hub that emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and engagement, harmonizing classic architectural elements with contemporary materials and technologies.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Experience
The building's facade features a blend of classical design with modern updates, complemented by gesture-based lighting and geometric forms. Interior spaces are designed with features such as grand staircases and a double-height atrium, fostering visual connectivity and allowing natural light to permeate throughout the structure. The use of warm wooden surfaces within the interior creates a contrast to the formal exterior, cultivating inviting communal spaces. Freedom Square is conceived as a multifunctional area, integrating open plazas, green spaces, and pedestrian pathways to foster local engagement and facilitate a variety of events and recreational activities.

### Material Choices and Sustainability
The design prioritizes the use of sustainable and visually appealing materials, including durable concrete for structural elements, laminated wood for interior warmth, and glass to enhance transparency. Traditional materials like brick and stone reinforce the historical context of the building. Sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic solar panels and green roofs are incorporated to provide renewable energy, improve insulation, and contribute to urban biodiversity. The project exemplifies a commitment to ecological responsibility while accommodating diverse community needs through adaptable spaces.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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