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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Combine for Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Diego Rodriguez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Combine for Sustainable Community Living
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Charred wooden shingles and a robust concrete structure create a visually cohesive residence that enhances community interaction while prioritizing sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and structural stability.
03
The central courtyard design promotes natural ventilation and enhances social interaction.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the roof support sustainable water management.
05
The structure's orientation maximizes daylight exposure and minimizes energy consumption.

**Overview and Context**

The Guest House of Family Verde is located in Barreiro, within the Leria region, characterized by a diverse topography that includes mountains, fields, and traditional village architecture. This design aligns with the local context, aiming to establish a welcoming environment for both the family and the surrounding community. The project reflects an understanding of the cultural and physical landscape, integrating vernacular elements with modern architectural sensibilities.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**

The internal layout centers around a courtyard, serving as a communal hub that encourages interaction among different spaces while maintaining visual connections to the outdoors. Key areas such as the kitchen, living area, and bedrooms are strategically arranged to support both community gatherings and private retreats.

Living spaces feature expansive openings and sliding glass doors that enhance the relationship with the external environment, while bedrooms are designed for privacy without compromising access to natural light and views. A meditation area is included, promoting a tranquil atmosphere and encouraging reflection.

**Material and Sustainability Integration**

The construction employs sustainable materials like reinforced concrete for structural integrity and locally sourced timber for aesthetic finishes, thus reinforcing the regional identity and minimizing the carbon footprint. The walls are a blend of natural render and warm wood finishes, creating a textured surface that interacts with sunlight, resulting in a dynamic visual experience throughout the day.

The design promotes sustainability through features such as passive solar strategies for energy efficiency, rainwater harvesting systems integrated into the roof structures, and natural ventilation strategies that enhance indoor comfort while reducing dependency on mechanical systems.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Take a seat and make a statement!

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