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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Brick Shape Sustainable Intergenerational Living Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Brick Shape Sustainable Intergenerational Living Spaces
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and local brick, the design creates a connected living environment that fosters intergenerational relationships through community-centric facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates local brick and charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Designed with interconnected pathways to promote accessibility and social interaction.
03
Features multi-use workshops and studios to foster community engagement and creativity.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainable construction.
05
Integrates extensive gardens and outdoor spaces to enhance resident well-being and connection to nature.

## Concept Overview

The Vinefields project is located in Bury St. Edmunds, England, designed to rejuvenate the local community through a diverse range of facilities. This initiative includes community workshops, intergenerational housing, assisted care, and a wellness center, all aimed at enhancing connectivity and inclusivity, particularly for the elderly population. The project strategically engages with its surrounding area, establishing essential links to nearby landmarks such as St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, parks, and local amenities, promoting social interaction and reducing isolation.

## Spatial Connectivity

The site plan prioritizes an extensive network of pathways that facilitate fluid movement between various facilities, encouraging residents to engage with both the built environment and each other. Outdoor experiences are integral to the design, with communal gardens serving as focal points for socialization and leisure. The layout emphasizes scenic views and accessibility to nature, reflecting the project’s commitment to environmental integration and enhanced quality of life.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A careful selection of materials underpins the sustainable approach of the Vinefields design. Primary materials include brick for structural integrity and a sense of place, glass to foster transparency and connectivity between interiors and exteriors, and timber for warmth in facades and roof structures. The design deliberately incorporates community gardens, emphasizing biodiversity and sustainable landscaping practices that enhance the ecological footprint of the development.

### Functional Spaces

The layout features key elements designed to encourage community interaction. Community workshops and galleries are designed with expansive glass elements to promote visibility and engagement with artistic initiatives. Intergenerational housing configurations allow for both privacy and communal living, accommodating the needs of elderly residents alongside younger families. The assisted care section aids those requiring support while maintaining an emphasis on independence. Complementary facilities such as a restaurant, spa, and wellness center are designed to integrate social and health-related activities, reinforcing communal bonds within inviting spaces.

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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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