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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping Concrete Serenity in Elevated Elderly Living

Author:
Dario Romano
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping Concrete Serenity in Elevated Elderly Living
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Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades define a serene structure elevated within a natural landscape, creating a tranquil residence tailored for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainable sourcing.
03
The building's bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Expansive glass façades maximize natural light and connect residents with the surrounding landscape.
05
Integrated communal gardens promote social interaction and wellness among residents.

## Project Overview

Located in an elevated landscape, the Blessing of Life residence is designed as an elderly facility that prioritizes contemplation, tranquility, and a connection to the surrounding environment. The intent is to create a nurturing space where residents can reflect and find peace amidst nature. The architectural approach emphasizes functional design while fostering a sense of serenity and belonging.

## Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The design incorporates two intersecting volumes, with one dedicated to essential functional areas and the other serving as a retreat space. This spatial strategy is deliberate, balancing communal interactions with private moments of solitude. The building consists of three levels, ensuring accessibility while maintaining privacy. The lower section houses staff quarters and essential services, firmly anchored to the landscape, while the upper residential areas are designed to evoke lightness, enhancing the overall sense of peace.

## Material Characteristics and Sustainability

The materials selected for the project reflect both solidity and lightness, enhancing the connection between the building and its site. Stone is used in the base of the structure to symbolize permanence, while concrete serves as a durable and contemporary finishing touch. Glass encompasses the upper levels, allowing for abundant natural light and unobstructed views. Wood details introduce warmth, contributing to an inviting atmosphere.

Sustainability is a key consideration in the architectural approach. The building is positioned to optimize natural light and ventilation, minimizing energy use. The design footprint occupies only 50% of the site area, preserving natural landscapes and facilitating local biodiversity. Common areas, including a central patio and garden, are designed to encourage social interaction, while room layouts offer flexibility for both singles and couples.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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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.

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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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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