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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Harmonious Retreat for Community Wellness

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Harmonious Retreat for Community Wellness
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design fosters a deep connection to the surrounding landscape while providing a tranquil retreat for individuals experiencing terminal illnesses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates therapeutic gardens designed to enhance mental well-being.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone, creating a strong connection to the historical site.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
05
Includes communal spaces that foster interaction while maintaining privacy for residents.

## Overview

Located in La Franghita, southern France, the facility is designed as a retreat for individuals with terminal illnesses. Its primary intent is to create a contemplative environment that emphasizes comfort and a strong connection to nature. The architectural approach integrates the surrounding landscape and reflects the site's historical context, particularly its proximity to the sea and existing historic structures, such as a former military fortification.

## Spatial Configuration

The design employs an L-shaped layout to effectively organize spaces into two wings: one dedicated to communal living areas, including a kitchen and library, and the other to private bedrooms. This configuration fosters a balance between social interaction and personal privacy, promoting community while respecting individual needs. The building is oriented to maximize views of the horizon and the sea, allowing ample natural light to enhance residents' experience and provide a strong sense of place. Bedrooms are strategically positioned to maintain a direct relationship with the natural surroundings, enhancing comfort and intimacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and local identity. Local stone, prominent in the redoubt’s existing structure, reinforces the historical context of the design. Timber is used in the roof, contributing to a warm atmosphere while allowing expansive projections that strengthen the connection to outdoor spaces. Moulded concrete serves as a durable structural element, embodying contemporary architectural aesthetics, while glass is incorporated to enhance natural light penetration and visual connections with nature. This emphasis on local and natural materials minimizes environmental impact, aligning with the project’s sustainable objectives.

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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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