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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping Modular Units Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping Modular Units Beneath Urban Infrastructure
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Modular units clad in charred wooden shingles transform underutilized space beneath the Manhattan Bridge into affordable living, fostering community while embracing urban infrastructure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for easy reconfiguration to accommodate varying family sizes.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into the facade enhance biodiversity and air quality.
03
Utilization of charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Community spaces designed to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Construction repurposes existing infrastructure, minimizing environmental impact.

### Project Overview
**Project Name:** Living-Synthesis
**Location:** Manhattan, New York

Living-Synthesis is an architectural initiative that aims to incorporate affordable housing solutions within the existing structural framework of New York City's bridges, specifically the Manhattan Bridge. This undertaking seeks to address the city's housing crisis while promoting community engagement and sustainable living practices. By utilizing underused spaces, the project integrates residential environments into the urban fabric, enhancing both functionality and social connectivity.

### Integration with Urban Infrastructure
A key feature of Living-Synthesis is its innovative adaptation of urban infrastructure for residential use. The design repurposes the physical elements of the Manhattan Bridge, transforming them into modular living units. This approach not only utilizes available space efficiently but also blends housing needs with the city's existing structures. The modular units can be reconfigured to accommodate different family sizes, enhancing flexibility and adaptability in unit design.

### Materiality and Environmental Responsibility
The project prioritizes sustainable design through the careful selection of materials that contribute to both aesthetics and environmental goals. Wood is employed for structural elements to add warmth, while glass facilitates natural light and visual connectivity to the outdoors. Steel reinforces structural integrity and supports the modular concept. The incorporation of green roof systems and vertical gardens promotes biodiversity, improves air quality, and contributes to residents' mental well-being. Additionally, the use of recycled materials minimizes waste, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

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

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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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