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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Sustainable Senior Housing

Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Sustainable Senior Housing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive vertical gardens, the design promotes sustainability while providing a cohesive living environment tailored for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features vertical gardens that promote resident engagement with nature.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Includes adaptable living units designed for changing resident needs over time.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and spatial dynamics.

## Overview
This project addresses the growing demand for senior housing by prioritizing community engagement and environmental sustainability. Located at the intersection of Bruagasse and Walltorstrasse in a densely populated urban area, the design promotes interaction among residents while ensuring comfortable, private living spaces that foster independence.

## Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates multiple communal areas, encouraging social gatherings and activities that enhance resident connectivity. The layout features both private and common zones, allowing for a balance between personal privacy and community interaction. Landscaped garden spaces integrated into the site provide opportunities for outdoor engagement and contribute to residents' well-being. The careful organization of entry points and pathways ensures accessibility for individuals with varying mobility, promoting a fully inclusive environment.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The project utilizes a combination of sustainable materials, including timber framing, which reduces the carbon footprint while imparting a warm aesthetic. Durable masonry and stone elements provide structural integrity, while large glass facades enhance natural light and visual connections with the outdoors. Additionally, the inclusion of ceramic roof tiles contributes to weather resistance and aligns with the architectural vernacular of the surrounding area. Key features such as vertical gardens and integrated water features further support ecological goals, encouraging interactions with nature while enhancing residents' quality of life. Adaptable living units are designed to accommodate changing needs, supporting the dynamic lifestyles of the aging population.

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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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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