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Charred Wooden Shingles Combined with Glass Façade in a Flexible Workspace Design

Authors:
Shen Tun, Zhang Yu‘nan, Tang Yu, Mao Jia‘yi
Charred Wooden Shingles Combined with Glass Façade in a Flexible Workspace Design
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Integrating a glass façade with charred wooden shingles, the design reflects a commitment to sustainability and adaptability, creating a flexible workspace that seamlessly adapts to user needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a digital interaction layer through smart textiles in furniture.
02
Employs a unique pixel concept to organize space and enhance user experience.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features an adaptable layout that allows for reconfiguration based on user needs.
05
Incorporates a glass façade to maximize natural light and visual connectivity with surroundings.

The Metaverse House project is an innovative architectural design that explores the integration of physical and digital environments. Designed with a focus on modularity and adaptability, the project addresses the contemporary issues of space utilization and socio-economic dynamics within an increasingly digital society. The architecture combines structural integrity with fluid spatial arrangements, allowing for a multifunctional environment tailored to various user needs.

The primary function of the Metaverse House is to serve as a versatile workspace as well as a communal living area. It caters to individuals who require flexible environments for remote work, collaboration, and social interaction while challenging traditional notions of access based on financial resources. The project emphasizes the significance of user experience in both physical and virtual domains, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Innovative Material Use and Design Approach
The Metaverse House employs a range of advanced materials to achieve its design goals, including glass screen walls that facilitate natural light and visual connectivity with the surrounding environment. The use of smart textiles in furnishing allows for adaptive usage, responding dynamically to the needs of its occupants. Concrete and reinforced steel provide the necessary structural support while enabling the complex geometry of the façade.

What distinguishes this project from conventional designs is its conceptual foundation based on the notion of "pixels." This metaphor not only references the digital world but also ties into the socio-economic framework of accessibility. By organizing space into distinct zones, the architecture promotes both individual work and collaborative engagements, with specific areas such as conference settings designed for inclusivity and interaction. The arrangement of outdoor areas further enhances this adaptive quality, providing environments for respite and connection with nature.

Functional Zones and User-Centric Design
The architectural layout includes several functional zones that prioritize flexibility and user-centric design. Key areas involve a conference section ideal for group discussions, adaptable resting spaces featuring modular furniture, and dedicated outdoor retreats that integrate landscaping with the built environment. Elevators and access points are strategically positioned to streamline movement throughout the space, ensuring an efficient user experience.

The overall design of the Metaverse House showcases a significant shift toward an architecture that acknowledges the complexities of modern living. By addressing issues of access, usability, and connectivity, this project provides essential insights into the future of architectural design. To explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas in greater depth, it is encouraged to review the full project presentation.

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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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