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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Glass Enveloping Sustainable Homes in a Community Setting

Authors:
Lauren Sharpe, Marina Gieres
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Glass Enveloping Sustainable Homes in a Community Setting
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled glass, the design integrates sustainable living and community engagement, creating a cohesive environment for self-sufficient residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates internal greenhouses for year-round food production and community interaction.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Integrates advanced rainwater collection and greywater recycling systems.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design for improved insulation and energy efficiency.

### Overview
Located in an undisclosed geographical area, Habitat is designed as a model of regenerative community living that emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and community-oriented design. The intent behind this project is to cultivate a lifestyle that promotes energy self-sufficiency and encourages sustainable food production, integrating individual residences with communal spaces based on ecological principles.

### Architectural Strategy
The design philosophy incorporates flexible architectural forms that respond to varying climatic conditions, featuring adjustable elements for environmental protection. Each home operates as an individual unit while contributing to a collective ecological balance through shared gardening and resource management. Central to the design are integrated greenhouses that serve multiple functions—food production, social interaction, and communal engagement—reflecting a commitment to local sourcing and community resilience.

### Material Selection and Energy Management
The careful choice of materials includes recycled glass for greenhouse structures, natural wood sourced from sustainable forests for cladding, and bio-based thermal insulation to enhance energy efficiency. Photovoltaic panels on roofs support sustainable energy production, while rainwater collection and greywater filtration systems illustrate innovative resource management practices. Energy strategies incorporate natural ventilation and greenhouse effects to maintain comfortable indoor climates, minimizing reliance on artificial systems. These elements contribute to a self-sustaining environment where ecological responsibility and community interaction are paramount.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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