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Charred Wooden Shingles and Matte Glass Define a Healing Space for Recovery

Author:
Julia Arnautova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Matte Glass Define a Healing Space for Recovery
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Combining charred wooden shingles with matte glass, the design fosters a serene environment that enhances recovery through thoughtful spatial organization and natural light.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for weather resistance and aesthetic warmth.
02
Matte glass elements provide privacy while maximizing natural light.
03
Community spaces are strategically designed to encourage social interaction.
04
Open-plan layout allows for flexible use and easy reconfiguration.
05
Biophilic design integrates gardens directly with internal healing spaces.

### Overview
Oxygen Home is situated in a conducive environment designed for individuals recovering from serious illnesses. The intent behind the project is to create a supportive and adaptive architectural framework that prioritizes healing through a thoughtful spatial experience. By integrating natural elements and advocating for both physical and emotional well-being, the facility presents an alternative to traditional clinical settings.

### Spatial Strategy
The arrangement of spaces within Oxygen Home is fluid and open, offering diverse experiences tailored to user needs. The central multipurpose hall serves as the focal point for community interactions, designed to host a variety of activities such as performances and gatherings. Adjacent to this main area are secluded reading nooks and intimate conversation spots, fostering a sense of privacy without isolation. Common facilities, including a kitchen, dining area, studios, and music rooms, support practical usability while encouraging social engagement, consistent with the philosophy of enhancing communal well-being.

### Material Composition
Material choices in Oxygen Home emphasize warmth, adaptability, and a connection to nature. Concrete serves structural purposes while providing stability, while extensive use of glass allows natural light to penetrate the interiors, fostering transparency between indoor and outdoor environments. Wood finishes in flooring and ceilings create a welcoming atmosphere that contrasts typical clinical materials, contributing to a sense of comfort. This combination effectively enhances the overall sensory experience, aligning with the project's healing-focused intent.

### Design Details
Oxygen Home features a range of design characteristics that distinguish it from conventional healthcare architecture. Spaces are organized with a gradient of openness, enabling users to select their desired level of privacy or social interaction. The incorporation of natural ventilation and strategically placed green spaces enhances the biophilic aspects of the environment. Additionally, functional and flexible furniture arrangements support various activities and engagements throughout the facility. Unique design elements, such as matte glass installations, offer privacy while maintaining a connection to the surroundings, promoting both personal space and community awareness. Engaging spaces for the arts further encourage user creativity, enhancing their sense of agency and belonging within the facility.

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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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