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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete Create a Community-Centric Family Home

Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete Create a Community-Centric Family Home
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Charred wooden shingles combined with locally sourced concrete not only enhance sustainability but also create a functional, family-oriented living space designed for modern communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the home.
04
A dedicated service block streamlines household functionality without compromising layout.
05
Flexible bedroom arrangements facilitate future adaptability for changing family needs.

## Overview

The design, referred to as "House of the Future," is a contemporary residence that underscores a commitment to sustainability while addressing the needs of modern family living. The project aims to create a functional and comfortable environment, utilizing locally sourced materials to integrate with its specific climatic and cultural context.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout emphasizes family-oriented living by fostering interactions among residents while providing private spaces for individual retreat. The symmetrical design allows for maximized natural light and cross-ventilation through strategically placed windows and openings. This consideration not only enhances energy efficiency but also strengthens the connection between interior spaces and the outdoors.

### Zoning and Functionality

The ground floor features central family areas designed for social engagement, including a living room, dining area, and an efficient kitchen. A service block, which accommodates a maid’s room and utility spaces, adds to the functional aesthetic of the home. Access is facilitated through both formal and family-oriented entry points, enhancing the home's usability.

On the first floor, the arrangement of six bedrooms offers privacy while being conveniently located near communal spaces. The layout promotes family interaction, with a foyer serving as a key transitional area. The design allows for future flexibility with the possibility of a second-floor extension for additional bedrooms or recreational spaces.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Emphasizing sustainable practices, the project incorporates locally sourced materials to minimize its carbon footprint. Key construction elements include locally sourced concrete for structural integrity, sustainable metal components, green roofing systems for energy efficiency, and high-performance insulation materials to optimize air quality and conserve energy.

The visual language of the residence is defined by a muted color palette and rendered finishes, aligning it with local vernacular architecture while maintaining a modern appearance. Sustainable features include solar panels, designed to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, and natural cooling strategies that leverage thermal massing and effective ventilation to limit mechanical cooling dependence.

Recycled and reclaimed materials further contribute to waste reduction during construction, enhancing the project's alignment with sustainable building practices. The architectural visuals provide insight into a cohesive exterior characterized by geometric forms, illustrating a balanced integration of aesthetics and functionality.

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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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

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