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Charred Wooden Shingles Yielding Harmony in Earth-Integrated Community Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles Yielding Harmony in Earth-Integrated Community Spaces
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and local brick, this community-focused initiative integrates seamlessly into the valley terrain, promoting shared agricultural and residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced brick and timber for enhanced sustainability.
02
Features an innovative bent A-frame design for structural efficiency.
03
Incorporates permeable landscaping to support local biodiversity.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Encourages community interaction through strategically placed communal gardens.

## Architectural Design Report: Valley of Earth

### Overview
The Valley of Earth project is situated within a fertile valley framed by mountainous terrain, reflecting the geographical characteristics of the region. The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to integrate human activity harmoniously with the natural environment, fostering connections between ecosystems, agricultural practices, and the built forms. By emphasizing a sense of belonging and identity rooted in nature, the project is conceived as a communal space that promotes agricultural productivity and interaction.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout is distinctly organized into functional zones comprising communal areas, agricultural facilities, and private quarters. The design employs circular and organic geometries that align with the natural contours of the landscape. This configuration not only facilitates accessibility and visual connectivity but also enhances user experience through the thoughtful arrangement of spaces. The sectional study illustrates a layered interaction between interior and exterior realms, with courtyards and gardens integrated into the built environment, thus inviting nature into daily life.

### Material Selection
Materiality is a crucial aspect of the design, focusing on sustainability, durability, and aesthetic coherence. Key materials include locally sourced brick for structural integrity and thermal comfort, concrete for foundational stability, glass for maximizing natural light, and wood for warmth in decorative elements. Additionally, the landscape features a variety of flora selected for their ecological benefits, contributing to the project's sustainability framework. The approach to material selection reinforces the architectural intent while promoting a symbiotic relationship between the built structure and the natural surroundings.

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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
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
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