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Charred Wooden Shingles and Light-Steel Frames in Versatile Urban Residences

Charred Wooden Shingles and Light-Steel Frames in Versatile Urban Residences
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a light-steel frame, the residence redefines urban living through its adaptive design and sustainable materials, providing a flexible home that responds to environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates a light-steel frame for structural flexibility and reduced weight.
03
Features an integrated water collection system for efficient resource management.
04
Employs permeable bricks to minimize stormwater runoff and flooding risks.
05
Arranges multiple courtyards to foster community interaction and natural ventilation.

## Overview
"Resilient Habitat" is situated in a desert region of the Arab world, addressing both environmental challenges and cultural heritage through innovative architectural strategies. The design integrates sustainable practices with traditional Arab architectural elements, creating a dwelling that adapts to varying climatic conditions while promoting a sense of community. The intent is to develop a flexible living environment that reflects both modern technological advancements and the historical context of its location.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The design emphasizes flexibility and mobility, allowing the residence to accommodate diverse lifestyles and functions. By creating spaces that prioritize both privacy and communal interaction, the layout features courtyards and arcades that serve as semi-public zones. This arrangement fosters social cohesion in alignment with cultural norms. The use of light steel structures minimizes noise intrusion and enhances air quality, supporting a comfortable living environment that adapts to external conditions.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection is closely aligned with the regional climate and cultural practices. Key materials include precast concrete planters for vegetation integration, a light-steel-frame structure for adaptability, and solar panels for energy self-sufficiency. Additional features such as permeable bricks facilitate stormwater management, while static electricity and dust-blocking facades improve indoor air quality. The incorporation of traditional Mashrabiyya patterns not only provides aesthetic continuity with Islamic architecture but also enhances privacy.

Innovative microclimate experiments refine the functionality of outdoor spaces, combining energy-efficient systems with thoughtful design to maintain comfortable interior conditions. Overall, the project’s structural framework enables future expansion, allowing for adaptability as family needs evolve, thereby ensuring the longevity and relevance of the residence.

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The Next House: USA
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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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