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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Community Cohesion in a Timber-Structured Residence

Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Community Cohesion in a Timber-Structured Residence
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design transforms an existing mining shaft tower into a cohesive living space that fosters community engagement for retired miners.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an existing mining shaft tower as a central structural element.
02
Incorporates green terraces to encourage gardening and outdoor recreation.
03
Features shared amenities designed specifically for social engagement among residents.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates natural light extensively through strategically placed glass facades.

### Overview

The Sunflower project is situated in a post-industrial mining town and serves as a comprehensive living environment for retired miners. This initiative aims to honor the historical significance of the mining community while addressing contemporary issues, such as infrastructure deterioration, population shifts, and social isolation. The design repurposes an existing mining shaft tower into a residential complex that meets the specific requirements of the elderly demographic.

### Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The architectural layout integrates residential and communal spaces to foster a sense of community among residents. The ground floor features common areas, including a café and a communal kitchen, designed to encourage social interaction. The residential modules, spanning levels 3 to 8, provide diverse apartment configurations alongside green terraces, which offer outdoor spaces for gardening and relaxation. A dedicated integration module on level 5 supports shared facilities, promoting collective experiences, while the fourth level houses creative spaces such as a music room and art studio, enhancing cultural engagement within the community.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials that align with its sustainability objectives. Timber forms the primary façade material, chosen for its renewable properties and aesthetic compatibility with the surrounding environment. Glass elements enhance natural light penetration and visual connection with the landscape, while reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, vital for adapting the existing mining shaft. Green roof systems further contribute to ecological benefits, improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity. Accessibility considerations have been woven throughout the design, ensuring inclusive access for all residents.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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