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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in Modular Senior Housing

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in Modular Senior Housing
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Modular units constructed with charred wooden shingles seamlessly integrate with landscaped pathways to create an accessible and supportive environment for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations catering to varying resident needs.
02
Ramps replace traditional staircases to enhance accessibility throughout the complex.
03
The design incorporates natural light through expansive glass façades, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide aesthetic appeal while enhancing durability against weathering.
05
Landscaped pathways are designed to encourage physical activity and social interaction among residents.

### Knaus Shrub Overview

The Knaus Shrub project is a senior housing initiative located in a landscaped setting, designed to support the well-being of elderly residents through thoughtful architectural integration. The project aims to address the challenges faced by aging populations by fostering community, enhancing accessibility, and promoting engagement with the environment.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout features interconnected spaces that prioritize accessibility and social interaction, eliminating traditional staircases in favor of ramps and passageways. Each residential unit accommodates up to six individuals and includes shared common areas to encourage communal relationships while maintaining a sense of privacy. Open façades enhance visibility, enabling residents to engage with one another and the surrounding environment, while enclosed areas filled with greenery provide tranquil retreats.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The structural framework prominently utilizes wood, chosen for its sustainability and aesthetic warmth, complemented by glass facades that facilitate natural light penetration. Steel elements ensure durability throughout the design. Landscaped areas, rich with plant life, are strategically incorporated to create biophilic connections, promoting mental well-being and encouraging physical activity among residents. The modular design accommodates various user needs, ensuring adaptability in living spaces and reinforcing the project's focus on environmental harmony.

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Enter an open 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

`
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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