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Charred Wooden Shingles Overlaying Modular Housing with Green Roof Integration

Author:
Matt Gavino
Charred Wooden Shingles Overlaying Modular Housing with Green Roof Integration
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and modular components, the design emphasizes sustainability with green roofs to create adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes extensive green roofs to support urban biodiversity and reduce heat.
05
Facilitates adaptable living spaces tailored to diverse resident needs.

### Overview

Located in Hunter’s Point, New York, N.Y. Commune is an architectural design that integrates modern urban living with community-focused principles. The project aims to redefine traditional housing models by creating adaptable and flexible dwelling units that facilitate social interactions among residents. Its design reflects a contemporary urban aesthetic while accommodating the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The layout features customizable dwelling units that allow residents to adjust living spaces according to personal preferences. These units are organized in an open plan, maximizing natural light and a sense of spaciousness. The structure's flexible tower configuration supports varying shapes and sizes, optimizing space utilization and enabling diverse living arrangements. Central to this design are communal areas such as elevated walkways and gardens, which serve as social hubs, encouraging interaction among residents. Hallways are designed as gathering spots, bridging private living units with shared outdoor environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices for N.Y. Commune prioritize sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Reinforced concrete forms the building's structural framework, ensuring durability, while a rigid steel framing system enhances design flexibility. Composite timber decking adds a warm element to the interiors, complementing environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, the project incorporates recycled modular housing components, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates green roofs, contributing to urban biodiversity and enhancing insulation while facilitating community gardening initiatives. These materials collectively support the project's objective of creating a functional and ecological living environment.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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