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Charred Wooden Shingles and Textured Concrete Create a Shelter Harmonizing with Nature

Authors:
Duarte Franco Da Rosa, Ana Sofia Martins, Margarida Alexandra Matos Bessa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Textured Concrete Create a Shelter Harmonizing with Nature
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Emphasizing charred wooden shingles and a textured concrete façade, the design seamlessly integrates with the landscape while providing a functional living space that prioritizes sustainability and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the natural setting.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support and thermal efficiency.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior volume while reducing material waste.
04
Large, strategically placed windows optimize natural light and connectivity to the landscape.
05
The eco-focused approach utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.

## Analytical Report on Mole House

### Project Overview

Mole House is an architectural residential design situated in an unspecified geographical location. The design philosophy centers on the interplay between contemporary living and the natural environment, addressing evolving climatic conditions while fostering a connection to nature. The structure is conceived as a robust and adaptable entity that maintains harmony with its landscape, prioritizing environmental sustainability and promoting a lifestyle that is sensitive to the surrounding ecology.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functionality

The spatial organization of Mole House is designed to enhance flow and functionality while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The primary zones include a flexible living and working area, an efficient cooking space that overlooks the outdoors, and a sleeping area strategically distanced from more active zones. Hallways and an atrium facilitate transitions throughout the home, allowing natural light to pervade and ensuring connections between the various spaces while upholding privacy. The front porch serves as an inviting threshold, integrating outdoor and indoor living and encouraging social interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of Mole House. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, supporting expansive open spaces while ensuring stability. The exterior features a natural textured finish that resonates with the local landscape, while large glass windows enhance natural lighting and views, effectively merging interior and exterior realms. The use of wood in interior finishes offers warmth and tactile comfort. By employing locally sourced materials and passive solar design strategies, Mole House minimizes its environmental impact, aligning with contemporary sustainability efforts and promoting the well-being of its inhabitants.

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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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