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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Embrace in Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Antoniya Kostadinov
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Embrace in Sustainable Residential Design
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and local stone, the residence achieves a seamless blend with its natural surroundings while offering versatile living spaces designed for communal engagement and private retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a central courtyard that enhances social interaction while providing privacy.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and an aesthetically rich texture.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features adaptable partition walls that allow for flexible use of spaces.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and minimizes energy consumption.

### Project Overview
Situated in a region characterized by expansive fields and open landscapes, the residential design emphasizes the connection between built form and the natural environment. The intent is to create a living space that balances communal interactions with private retreats, fostering a unique lifestyle experience. The layout features two distinct levels: the upper level caters to shared living environments, while the lower level contains functional service areas, ensuring a clear delineation between public and private zones.

### Spatial Distribution
The architectural layout facilitates a varied progression of spaces, allowing for diverse interactions. The ground floor is dedicated to communal areas such as a dining kitchen that extends into a central courtyard, promoting social gatherings and enhancing indoor-outdoor connectivity through expansive openings. Private spaces, including guest rooms with individual terraces, provide solitude while remaining visually tied to shared areas. The underground level accommodates essential service functions, maintaining the serenity of the primary living spaces.

### Material Selection
The material palette reflects local building traditions while remaining attuned to contemporary design principles. Local stone serves as the primary structural element, integrating durability with environmental responsiveness. Extensive use of wood enhances warmth in both fixtures and interiors, allowing flexibility in spatial divisions. Concrete elements provide structural stability and contribute to climate control, essential in the region's warm summers. Glass is strategically employed to maximize natural light and visual links to the outdoors, particularly within private areas such as bathrooms, where scenic views enhance user experience.

### Noteworthy Aspects
The design consciously aligns with the surrounding landscape, optimizing views and light access. Sustainable strategies, including passive ventilation and the selection of fire-retardant materials, reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. Culturally sensitive design elements honor local architectural heritage while introducing modern aesthetics, creating a seamless blend of functional and traditional aspects. The adaptive floor plan allows for versatile usage, enhancing the overall user experience by accommodating various lifestyle needs.

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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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