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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Sustainability in Collaborative Living Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Sustainability in Collaborative Living Spaces
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Modular units composed of charred wooden shingles and integrated hydroponic gardens create a sustainable living environment designed to foster community collaboration in agricultural settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy transport and adaptability to various landscapes.
02
Integration of hydroponic systems enhances food production within the living spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural efficiency while reducing carbon footprint.
05
Community gardens promote collaboration and sustainable practices among residents.

**Overview and Intent**

The Biohubs project is situated in the Saint Lawrence Valley region of Quebec, Canada. It addresses the challenges of urban sprawl and an aging agricultural workforce by promoting sustainable living through permaculture and community-building efforts within a regenerating agricultural landscape. The initiative is designed to integrate residential spaces with agricultural activities, establishing a framework that encourages collaboration among residents and seasonal farmworkers.

**Architectural Strategy and Materiality**

The Biohubs feature a modular design utilizing prefabricated units that enhance construction efficiency and allow for adaptability in response to varying site conditions. Each building incorporates sustainable materials such as insulated sandwich roofing panels, timber trusses, and double-glazing windows, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. The overall architectural style favors contemporary simplicity, focusing on functionality and sustainability.

The interior functional layout includes multipurpose living areas, which accommodate various uses through flexible furniture solutions, such as Murphy beds that convert spaces efficiently. Outdoor integration is emphasized through balconies and decks that connect residents with the natural surroundings, while integrated gardening systems, including hydroponic and self-irrigated gardens, promote an active engagement with food production.

**Sustainability and Technological Integration**

The sustainable ethos is further exemplified through the incorporation of renewable energy systems. Solar panels installed on rooftops reduce reliance on external energy sources, while a rainwater harvesting system supports irrigation efforts and minimizes water waste. The project also prioritizes community interaction via shared spaces such as communal gardens and participant-led farming initiatives, fostering connections among residents and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Unique features of the Biohubs include their transportability, allowing for ease of relocation and assembly to meet diverse needs, and a focus on agricultural productivity that distinguishes this development from typical residential projects. The modular design approach facilitates a participatory construction method, empowering residents to contribute actively to their living environment.

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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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