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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Wood Elevate Flexible Housing Solutions in Urban Contexts

Authors:
Balthazar Kiewiet De Jonge, Gerrit Knappers
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Wood Elevate Flexible Housing Solutions in Urban Contexts
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled wood, the design creates adaptable living environments that prioritize community interaction within an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular hexagonal layout for optimal space efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
03
Features extensive communal gardens to foster social interaction among residents.
04
Employs recycled materials throughout to minimize environmental impact.
05
Maximizes natural light penetration with a perforated facade design.

## Project Overview

The Hexa Sociatatis housing project, located in Sydney, Australia, was designed by Balthazar Kiewiet de Jonge and Gerrit Knoppers with the intent to address contemporary challenges in affordable housing. It employs a hexagonal modular design that combines aesthetic qualities with practical living solutions, aiming to enhance community interaction among residents.

## Spatial Efficiency and Community Interaction

The design prioritizes efficient use of living space while fostering social engagement. The hexagonal geometry minimizes material usage and maximizes usable areas, allowing for larger living units. Spaces for public interaction, including balconies and communal gardens, are integrated to encourage social activities. This configuration optimizes natural light and ventilation while ensuring a level of privacy for individual units, reflecting a contemporary approach to urban living.

### Material Choices

The project emphasizes sustainable material use, employing recycled wood for internal fittings, concrete for structural stability, and glass for the facade’s perforated panels. This selection not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to energy efficiency by facilitating natural light and minimizing reliance on artificial illumination.

### Ecological Design Elements

The design incorporates ecological considerations, utilizing locally sourced materials to minimize transportation emissions. Green terraces are integrated into the building to provide insulation, regulate temperature, and support local biodiversity. The modular nature of the units allows for adaptability, catering to diverse household needs over time and encouraging a sense of ownership among residents.

### Community-Centric Spaces

External common areas are integral to the project, designed for communal activities such as barbecues and informal gatherings. These spaces facilitate the formation of social networks that are essential for urban living, with the layout promoting interaction between residents and blurring the boundaries between private and shared living environments.

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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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