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Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Framework in a Compact Community Shelter

Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Framework in a Compact Community Shelter
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a steel framework, the design creates a resilient micro-shelter that fosters community and self-sufficiency for displaced individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural stability and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing material use.
04
Integrates vertical gardening systems to promote food security and sustainability.
05
Equipped with renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic panels and wind turbines.

### Overview
The Smart Hop/me project offers a contemporary solution to the challenges of housing shortages, particularly for refugees and displaced persons. Located in regions experiencing significant refugee populations, such as Germany, Turkey, and Jordan, the design approach emphasizes adaptability and sustainability while maintaining a focus on community engagement and connection to nature.

### Architectural Strategy
The design features a multifunctional micro-house concept that serves both as individual living spaces and as communal hubs. The structure adopts a modern, angular form that integrates traditional housing elements with functional features. A key aspect of the design is the roof, which maximizes energy efficiency, collects rainwater, and supports gardening activities. The internal layout is optimized for space utilization, incorporating multi-functional areas and innovative storage solutions to enhance functionality.

### Material and Energy Solutions
The project prioritizes sustainable building materials, utilizing Kingspan QUADCORE® insulated panels for walls and roofs, alongside a lightweight steel structure that provides stability. To ensure efficient resource management, the design incorporates advanced energy solutions such as photovoltaic glazing, wind power turbines, and a ground source heat pump for optimized heating and cooling. Additional features include a rainwater harvesting tank and perforated partition walls that promote natural light and ventilation throughout the space.

This comprehensive approach enhances the overall sustainability of the design, addressing both immediate shelter needs and fostering long-term resilience within affected communities.

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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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