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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Timber Units Shaping an Inclusive Housing Community

Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Timber Units Shaping an Inclusive Housing Community
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Modular timber units and charred wooden shingles converge to create an accessible living environment on Inujima Island, fostering community engagement among residents of varying ages.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy adaptation to changing community needs.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Intergenerational spaces promote social interaction among residents.
05
Biodiverse gardens integrated into the layout encourage environmental engagement.

### Inujima Island Housing Development Overview

Located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, Inujima Island is undergoing architectural development aimed at revitalizing the area, which has been impacted by population decline and an aging demographic. This initiative seeks to create a supportive environment for elderly residents while promoting inclusivity for all ages. By integrating elderly facilities with residential spaces, the project fosters a connected community that reflects the cultural and environmental attributes of the island.

### Spatial Organization and Community Spaces

The project employs strategic zoning and distribution to designate specific areas for residential living, communal amenities, and cultural activities. Key features include the introduction of two housing typologies: Q-House and R-House, which are designed to accommodate modern living standards while respecting traditional Japanese layouts. The Q-House comprises two living modules that align with the local vernacular, focusing on the needs of elderly occupants. In contrast, the R-House emphasizes accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, dedicated spaces for community engagement—such as workshops, gardens, and cultural venues like the Cineauditorium—are positioned to enhance social interaction across generations.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A diverse range of materials has been selected for both their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Timber serves as the primary construction material due to its sustainability and alignment with traditional Japanese architecture. Anodized aluminum panels are utilized for their modern appeal and durability, while wooden framing systems contribute a warm, tactile quality to the living spaces. Channelled shingle wood enhances the roofing's weather resilience and visual character. The design incorporates environmental considerations, leveraging wind analysis to optimize building orientation and natural ventilation, thus reducing energy consumption. Gardens and public areas further promote biodiversity and community interaction with the island's ecosystem.

Each aspect of materiality and design is executed with an understanding of the island's historical context, creating structures that resonate with Inujima's cultural legacy while addressing contemporary living requirements.

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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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