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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Elements in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Elements in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and prefabricated elements, this urban housing solution offers adaptable living spaces designed to seamlessly integrate with the demands of a modern lifestyle.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and reduced waste.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates passive ventilation systems for improved air quality and energy efficiency.
05
Includes adaptable work-life pods that promote flexible living environments.

### Overview

The PO_CO project aims to address the urgent challenges associated with urban housing, particularly in light of increasing population pressures and socioeconomic shifts. With urban areas anticipated to house a significant portion of the global population by 2050, this initiative is a proactive response to the rising demands for affordable, flexible, and sustainable living environments, influenced heavily by the shifts in lifestyle brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design incorporates a modular layout that promotes interaction while ensuring privacy, enabling residents to adapt their living spaces for both personal and professional use. Thoughtful arrangements of living areas, kitchens, and workspaces enhance natural light and ventilation, which are essential for maintaining comfort in compact urban environments. A notable design feature is the “work-life pod,” which allows for spatial separation without the constraints of traditional walls, fostering adaptability in the home office setting. The strategic incorporation of transparent and semi-transparent materials enhances openness, encouraging a sense of community while preserving individual privacy.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality

Sustainability is integral to the project's concept, with a focus on using eco-friendly materials throughout the structure. Durable concrete provides necessary thermal mass, while prefabricated cladding panels facilitate efficient assembly and minimize waste. Interior finishing utilizes engineered wood, balancing aesthetics with sustainability. Energy-efficient systems, including solar panels, support renewable energy use, while passive design strategies optimize cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Rainwater harvesting capabilities further contribute to the project's holistic approach to environmental stewardship. These design elements not only prioritize environmental concerns but also enhance the overall well-being of occupants through improved air quality and access to natural light.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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

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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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