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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Learning Environment

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Learning Environment
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design enhances natural ventilation and outdoor connectivity, creating an educational environment that fosters community engagement and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using sustainably sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and airflow throughout the facility.
03
Features extensive outdoor terraces that seamlessly integrate learning environments with natural landscapes.
04
Utilizes local stone for pathways, fostering a connection between the building and its surrounding ecosystem.
05
Designed with communal gathering spaces to encourage collaboration among students and the community.

### Overview

Located in Adicora, Falcom, Venezuela, the Gurkha School serves as a multifunctional educational facility designed to integrate sustainability and regional cultural elements within a tropical context. The intent of the design is to create a vibrant learning environment that fosters connection among students, educators, and the surrounding landscape. Featuring a dual-level layout, the school organizes its components—classrooms, recreational facilities, and communal spaces—around a central double-height lobby, promoting interaction and engagement.

### Spatial Strategy and Climate Response

The spatial arrangement facilitates a cohesive flow between various areas while prioritizing connectivity through natural pathways. Student and teacher interactions are enhanced by strategically placed social spaces and recreational amenities, including open terraces and a swimming pool. The architecture incorporates climate-responsive features, such as overhanging roofs and cross-ventilation techniques, that minimize reliance on mechanical cooling systems. These elements combine to create a comfortable learning environment that adapts to local climatic conditions.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices emphasize environmental sustainability and local sourcing. The predominant use of locally-sourced concrete ensures structural integrity while minimizing transportation impacts. Wood is employed for both structural and aesthetic elements, showcasing regional craftsmanship. Large glass windows facilitate natural lighting and views of the landscape, while natural stone pathways integrate the building with its surroundings. By prioritizing materials that support local economies and utilizing environmentally responsible practices, the design reflects a commitment to sustainable architecture aligned with community values.

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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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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