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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vast Natural Light in a Community-Oriented Senior Residence

Author:
Gautam Bhatia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vast Natural Light in a Community-Oriented Senior Residence
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, the architecture creates a harmonious blend of private living and communal spaces designed to enhance the quality of life for its senior residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features inverted room layouts that enhance social interaction while maintaining privacy.
02
Charred wooden shingles are integrated into the façade to provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for sustainable construction and superior thermal insulation.
04
A central communal core serves as the heart of the design, promoting community gatherings and activities.
05
Expansive glazing offers extensive natural light while creating a seamless connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

## Project Overview
The Elderly Home in Portugal is designed to provide a supportive living environment that balances individual privacy with communal engagement. Located within a thoughtfully considered setting, the project aims to challenge conventional approaches to elderly care by fostering a sense of community without sacrificing residents' autonomy. The design promotes a homelike atmosphere, encouraging both social interaction and independent living.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Integration
The architectural strategy adopts a “cellular village” concept, featuring inverted private rooms arranged around a central community core. This layout not only facilitates social connections among residents but also safeguards personal space. The design includes various communal areas such as a gathering room, library, therapy room, and an amphitheater, each intended to stimulate interaction and promote shared activities. The interplay of private and public amenities is intentionally crafted to enhance daily experiences for residents.

## Material Choices and Sustainability
Attention to materiality is evident throughout the design, with a focus on creating a functional yet inviting environment. Concrete ensures structural stability, while extensive glazing fosters natural light and connectivity to the outdoors. Steel elements contribute to durability and a modern aesthetic, whereas wood finishes add warmth to interior spaces. The project incorporates sustainable practices, including energy-efficient systems and green rooftops, minimizing its ecological footprint. Furthermore, the design respects local cultural contexts and integrates natural terrain, resulting in varied levels that enhance outdoor experiences.

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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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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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