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Charred Wooden Shingles Define Sustainable Micro-Home with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Charred Wooden Shingles Define Sustainable Micro-Home with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this sustainable micro-home integrates advanced water harvesting and natural ventilation systems to enhance urban living efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to optimize structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates high-performance cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and insulation.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for natural fire resistance and durability.
04
Integrates advanced water harvesting systems for efficient resource management.
05
Designed for modular assembly, allowing rapid construction and adaptability to various environments.

### Overview
The "UNBOUNDED" project is situated in a context that prioritizes space optimization, environmental sustainability, and psychological well-being through innovative micro-home design. Its intent is to create adaptable living spaces that can effectively respond to various environmental and social conditions while fostering a sense of community and individual comfort.

### Material and Construction Strategy
The design utilizes a carefully selected palette of sustainable materials, emphasizing both aesthetic qualities and structural integrity. Timber is incorporated for its durability and low carbon footprint, while photovoltaic cells harness solar energy to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Recycled structural steel contributes to robustness and sustainability, alongside the use of EPDM roof sheeting, which facilitates effective rainwater harvesting. The integration of hydraulic pistons within the roof system allows for versatile adjustments to internal conditions, enhancing overall livability.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the home is strategically organized into multifunctional quadrants—comprising living, sleeping, working, grooming, bathing, and relaxation areas—to maximize comfort and utility. The ground floor design promotes social interaction by centralizing communal spaces while ensuring that private areas are effectively isolated. The open space concept encourages fluid transitions between activities, enhanced by built-in storage solutions that maintain a sense of openness. Furthermore, natural ventilation strategies, including operable windows and vents, create a healthy indoor environment, facilitating airflow and energy efficiency.

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The Home of 
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

`
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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