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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Reflective Spaces in a Contemporary Chapel

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Reflective Spaces in a Contemporary Chapel
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and integrated natural stone, the contemporary chapel redefines space for reflection and community engagement through its thoughtfully designed multifunctional areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural efficiency and warmth.
03
Incorporates natural stone pathways that seamlessly blend with the landscape.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure, optimizing space and visual dynamics.
05
Includes dedicated community spaces that support workshops and gatherings.

# Analytical Report on Capella Nobis - Chapel of Memory

## Overview
Capella Nobis is situated in a serene natural environment, designed to reframe the traditional role of a cemetery and chapel as spaces for reflection and communal engagement. The project aspires to create a sanctuary that facilitates the processes of grief and remembrance while encouraging community interaction. Through its innovative design, Capella Nobis integrates multifunctional spaces that allow for diverse activities, such as workshops and gatherings, thus redefining perceptions of mourning and memory.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The architectural configuration of Capella Nobis enhances its usability and accessibility. The site plan incorporates inviting pathways, gardens, and seating areas, all designed to promote reflective movement throughout the landscape. Internally, the main hall accommodates various ceremonies with versatile seating arrangements and includes a dedicated kitchen and preparation area, underscoring its multifunctional intent. The cross-section features a lofty ceiling supported by exposed wooden beams, which contributes to an airy atmosphere that elevates the overall emotional experience.

## Materiality and Lighting
The material choices for Capella Nobis are carefully selected to evoke warmth and comfort. Exposed wooden beams provide structural integrity while fostering a timeless quality. Stained glass windows serve not only as aesthetic features but also as narrative elements that allow natural light to create evocative patterns within the space. The external pathways, composed of natural stone, seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment, enhancing the connection between the built and natural realms. The design also emphasizes the use of natural and artificial lighting, with large windows and skylights ensuring a well-lit interior that nurtures an uplifting ambiance, complemented by artistic lighting fixtures that add character to ceremonial events.

## Community and Sensory Engagement
Beyond its architectural elements, Capella Nobis emphasizes community integration through its design. The inclusion of communal spaces fosters ongoing interactions and creates a supportive environment for visitors experiencing loss. The sensory quality of the chapel is enhanced through carefully selected materials that engage touch, alongside natural sounds from landscaped areas, all contributing to an immersive experience. The flexible design allows the space to accommodate a variety of ceremonies, thus reinforcing the adaptive use of the chapel and broadening its functional scope.

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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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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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