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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Versatile Urban Community Space

Authors:
Vera Grieneisen, Natasha Jasmin Lopes Rodriguez, Janquiel Iessa Florencio, Parcipal Cristovão Fagundes Masiero
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Versatile Urban Community Space
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and abundant natural light, the design creates a versatile community space that fosters interaction and integrates seamlessly with its urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to efficient construction and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Integrated green spaces promote biodiversity and user engagement.
05
Large outdoor terraces extend usable space and encourage community interaction.

This project exemplifies a modern architectural design focused on functionality and integration with its surrounding environment. Located in a vibrant urban area, the building serves as a multipurpose facility, accommodating community activities, offices, and leisure spaces. The design promotes interaction among users while respecting the local context and enhancing the urban fabric.

The architectural approach emphasizes sustainability and efficiency. The facade features a combination of glass and natural materials, creating a dialogue between transparency and solidity. Large windows allow abundant natural light to permeate the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The incorporation of green spaces both on the facade and within the site contributes to the overall ecological footprint, promoting biodiversity while offering users areas for relaxation and reflection.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

One noteworthy aspect of this project is its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Adjacent terraces and balconies extend living areas beyond the building’s envelope, allowing for greater connection with nature. These outdoor spaces are designed with usability in mind, featuring seating areas, landscaping, and shade structures that respond to the local climate.

Moreover, the careful arrangement of spaces takes into account user movement and experience. Common areas are strategically located to encourage social interaction, while private spaces like offices and meeting rooms are designed for focused work. This thoughtful layering of public and private zones enhances functionality and promotes collaboration among users.

Innovative Use of Materials

Another distinctive feature is the innovative use of materials throughout the project. The exterior cladding combines pre-fabricated concrete panels with sustainable wood elements, creating a visually appealing texture that distinguishes the building from conventional designs. The choice of materials not only contributes to the aesthetic quality but also enhances the building's thermal performance.

The project's design incorporates energy-efficient systems, including solar panels on the roof and rainwater harvesting mechanisms, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. The architectural solutions reflect a contemporary understanding of resource management, aiming for a reduced environmental impact.

This architectural design stands out due to its thoughtful integration of functionality, sustainable practices, and user-oriented spaces. To explore the project further, review the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that illustrate the careful consideration of every element in this comprehensive design approach. Such insights will deepen your understanding of this project’s architectural ideas and unique contributions to modern architecture.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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