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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Center for Seniors

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Center for Seniors
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive use of natural ventilation, the design creates a functional community center that promotes social interaction among seniors while emphasizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a community center design that fosters intergenerational interaction.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Employs extensive natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.
05
Integrates flexible spaces that can adapt to various communal activities.

## Project Overview

Located in Guadalajara, Mexico, Azul Agua is an architectural initiative designed to enhance the living experience of the elderly community. Set within the urban context of Agua Azul Park, the project serves as both a residence and a community hub, promoting intergenerational interaction through the provision of diverse social, recreational, and essential services that contribute to the overall quality of life for its inhabitants.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

Azul Agua integrates a mixed-use design that combines residential units with various community functions, such as dining, shopping, and recreational facilities. The layout emphasizes intergenerational spaces, enabling meaningful engagement between residents of different ages. Communal areas, particularly the community center, serve as focal points for activities, workshops, and social gatherings, facilitating connections and reducing feelings of isolation among tenants. Shared living spaces, game rooms, and rooftop terraces further enhance social engagement, providing opportunities for relaxation and interaction in a supportive environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural material palette is chosen for its functionality and aesthetic qualities. Reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, while glass elements create an inviting atmosphere through natural light and visibility. Wood features are incorporated for warmth, complementing metal accents that provide modern aesthetics. The project emphasizes ecological sustainability through practices such as rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation, natural ventilation techniques to decrease reliance on mechanical cooling, and the integration of solar panels to enhance energy efficiency. These sustainable strategies underscore a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while fostering a welcoming community space.

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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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