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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Units for Community Living Surrounded by Northern Landscapes

Author:
Allison Righi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Units for Community Living Surrounded by Northern Landscapes
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and modular units, this community living initiative emphasizes sustainability and connection to the Northern landscape while providing adaptable residential spaces for shared experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features modular units designed for flexible reconfiguration based on guest needs.
04
Employs piezoelectric components to harness energy from wind vibrations.
05
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to enhance aesthetic appeal and spatial efficiency.

# Architectural Design Report: Community Immersion Project

## Project Overview

Located in a region renowned for its breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, this design seeks to integrate human habitation with the surrounding natural landscape. The intent is to create an immersive retreat that provides guests not only with the comforts of home but also a strong sense of community and connection to nature. The approach emphasizes modular living structures that promote interaction, accessibility, and individual comfort.

### Community-Oriented Design

The design incorporates modular guest units and communal spaces, creating an adaptable living environment that caters to varying group sizes and individual needs. This configuration is intended to foster a sense of belonging among visitors while ensuring privacy through strategic spatial organization. A central community hub serves as a focal point for social activities and shared experiences, featuring a lounge area with expansive windows that showcase stunning views of the night sky, along with a dining area crafted for group interaction. Common amenities, such as a sauna and hot tub, enhance the overall guest experience and encourage relaxation.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

### Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a core principle in the material choices made for this project. The use of locally sourced wood for structural elements provides a warm aesthetic while maintaining a connection to the natural environment. Large glass windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light and views of the Northern Lights, thereby reinforcing the connection to the outdoors. Innovative features, such as piezoelectric components that convert wind vibrations into electricity and rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water supply, further demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

### Structural Elements

The modular units are designed to be reconfigurable, utilizing wheels for mobility and adaptability. This flexible structure is complemented by a hexagonal layout, optimizing space usage and harmonizing with the landscape. Each unit is positioned to maximize privacy and provide unobstructed views of the celestial displays, ensuring that the natural beauty of the surroundings is an integral part of the living experience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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