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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Highlighting Community Spaces in a Residential Center

Author:
Joe Ingea
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Highlighting Community Spaces in a Residential Center
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and abundant natural light, this residential center fosters communal engagement while prioritizing the well-being of elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to enhance natural light and ventilation.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
03
Features extensive internal gardens for resident engagement and well-being.
04
Designed with universal accessibility in mind for all common areas.
05
Includes a community kitchen to promote social interaction among residents.

### Project Overview

Casa de Serenidade is situated in a tranquil environment designed as a community center for the elderly. The intent of the design is to create a welcoming atmosphere that avoids the clinical feel often associated with healthcare facilities. By emphasizing community engagement and well-being, the layout fosters interaction among residents while maintaining individual privacy within a harmonious setting that integrates with its natural surroundings.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functional Design

The spatial organization of Casa de Serenidade is carefully considered to enhance both accessibility and social interaction. Bedrooms are placed below street level to optimize natural light and views for shared spaces on the ground floor. A three-tiered vertical layout facilitates movement and interactions among different areas, encouraging social activities. Notable communal features include a library, chapel, and a community garden, all designed to promote everyday living and a sense of accomplishment through engagement with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

The proposed material palette focuses on warmth and durability, contributing to the overall comfort of the facility. White render on the walls provides a modern, clean appearance and insulation. Stone elements in the stair tower not only support structural integrity but also pay homage to traditional Mediterranean architecture. Extensive use of glass in windows increases natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors, while wood finishes add warmth to the interior. The design includes provisions for potential solar panels, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

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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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