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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Enhance Harmonious Living Spaces in Maryland

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Enhance Harmonious Living Spaces in Maryland
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and strategically placed glass elements, the design fosters an engaging dialogue between light and shadow while providing a functional living environment rooted in sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes a central courtyard to foster outdoor connectivity and community interaction.
05
Employs strategic window placement to create dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.

## Overview
Umbral Haven is situated in Maryland, USA, and is designed to explore the relationship between light and shadow within a harmonious living environment. The project comprises two interconnected buildings, each symbolizing an individual within a couple, and is centered around a courtyard that serves as a functional and symbolic threshold between private and public spaces. This layout reflects the intent of fostering coexistence and balance in residential living.

### Spatial Strategy
The organization of Umbral Haven distinctly separates private and public sectors to enhance functionality and user experience. The private area includes a bedroom, a living room with strategically placed windows for natural light, a tranquil bathroom, and a recreational room designed for well-being. In contrast, the public sector features a dining area that encourages social interaction and a living area designed for entertainment, emphasizing visual connectivity to the outdoors. These carefully delineated spaces promote a sense of intimacy while maintaining a fluid interaction with the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection
The materiality of Umbral Haven plays a crucial role in achieving the design's thematic goals. Stone provides durability and grounding characteristics, while wood adds warmth and texture to interior spaces. Glass is employed for the central courtyard and windows to optimize natural light and maintain visual engagement with the landscape. Concrete is utilized in the private sectors to offer solidity, complementing the overall design framework. These materials collectively enhance the interplay of light and shadow, enriching the spatial experience by engaging with the site's natural setting.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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