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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Sustainable Mountain Residence

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Sustainable Mountain Residence
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles to enhance thermal efficiency and blending natural light with open spaces, the residence serves as a sustainable retreat in a mountainous landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved insulation and reduced carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural strength while allowing for expansive interior spaces.
04
Strategically positioned windows maximize natural light and minimize heat loss.
05
Landscape integration enhances aesthetic appeal and promotes biodiversity in the surrounding area.

## Project Overview

Situated in a context that values natural surroundings, the residence was designed with a focus on the occupants’ comfort and lifestyle. The architectural intent is to create a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces while promoting sustainable living practices. The layout and design prioritize natural light and spatial efficiency, contributing to a contemporary residential experience.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction

The open-plan layout fosters fluid movement between living areas, encouraging social interaction while preserving private retreats. Central to the design is a spacious living area that connects with the outdoors, enhanced by expansive glass openings that facilitate visual and physical connectivity. The kitchen, strategically positioned, serves as an accessible hub, ensuring functionality without compromising flow. Private quarters, including bedrooms and bathrooms, are arranged to maximize privacy while framing views of the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project emphasizes the use of natural and sustainable materials, reinforcing modern architectural standards. Reinforced concrete provides structural durability, while large glass panels enhance transparency and ensure ample daylight. Timber is integrated into the roofing to create warmth, balancing aesthetics with environmental considerations. The flooring features a blend of stone and aggregate, delivering both durability and a natural quality. Additionally, metal screens offer external shading and privacy, allowing for controlled light entry and contributing to the home's overall energy efficiency.

### Lighting Strategy and Energy Efficiency

An intricately designed lighting strategy enhances the atmosphere throughout the day, showcasing a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. During the morning, natural light brightens the breakfast area and transition spaces, promoting an uplifting start to daily activities. The arrangement allows for controlled light angles at midday, ensuring comfortable illumination while preventing overheating. In the evening, soft shadows create a cozy ambiance, celebrating the use of natural materials and further emphasizing the residence’s link to its environment. Solar technologies have been incorporated as part of a comprehensive approach to energy consumption, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability.

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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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