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Charred Wooden Shingles and Venetian Brick Creating Community Focused Elderly Housing

Charred Wooden Shingles and Venetian Brick Creating Community Focused Elderly Housing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced Venetian brick, the design fosters a cohesive community space that prioritizes social interaction and accessibility for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes multiple shared courtyards to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Strategically oriented to provide optimal views of the surrounding Venetian landscape.

### Project Overview

Located in the northeastern region of Venice, Italy, the elderly housing initiative aims to address the accommodation needs of the aging population while revitalizing an underutilized urban area. The design respects the historical context of Venice, striving to harmonize with its unique architectural character. The intention is to create functional living spaces that foster social interaction and enhance community well-being through thoughtful integration of accessibility and visibility.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The architectural layout features open and semi-public courtyards that facilitate social integration among residents. A variety of shared spaces are designated for communal activities, merging public and private realms. The volumetric design strategically arranges building masses to create a hierarchy that opens vistas towards the surrounding landscape, promoting both tranquility and connectivity. Mixed-use planning is employed, incorporating recreational rooms, dining facilities, and therapy spaces to accommodate diverse resident needs. The residential units are designed in multiple configurations—single, double, triple, and co-housing options—ensuring flexibility in living arrangements.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction primarily employs traditional Venetian brick, which ties the new structures to the local architectural vernacular. Extensive use of glass panels enhances natural light and promotes visual connections between indoor and outdoor environments. Ground levels utilize concrete for durability in Venice's saline setting. Sustainability is a core principle: a natural ventilation system is implemented to optimize indoor climate, and solar panels alongside thermal panels are positioned on the flat roofs to harness renewable energy. Insulation strategies are specifically chosen to address the city's climate challenges, promoting energy efficiency throughout the building.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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