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Charred Wooden Slats and Expansive Glass Create a Modern Family Retreat

Charred Wooden Slats and Expansive Glass Create a Modern Family Retreat
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With its charred wooden slats and expansive glass openings, this modern residence seamlessly integrates natural light and outdoor views, serving as a contemporary family retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to efficient construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design promotes structural stability and unique aesthetics.
04
Large glass openings maximize natural light and outdoor visibility.
05
Strategically designed balconies extend living space into the landscape.

## Overview

Mocha Manor is a contemporary residential project situated in a suburban context that emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic integration with its natural surroundings. The design prioritizes natural light and spatial fluidity, fostering a warm and inviting environment while providing a balance between privacy and outdoor connectivity.

## Spatial Organization

The architectural layout is designed to facilitate both private and communal living. The ground floor features an open-concept living room and dining area, strategically aligned with large windows to enhance views and natural light. Adjacent to these spaces is a modern kitchen with a central island that encourages social interaction. Traditional elements are incorporated through a Mejlis, designated for relaxation and social gatherings. The utility areas, including a laundry room and hallway, are thoughtfully positioned to minimize disruption to the main living spaces, ensuring an intuitive flow throughout the home.

On the second floor, private zones are delineated, comprising bedrooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms and an office space. Each bedroom is oriented to frame views of the surrounding landscape, offering personal retreat areas while maintaining a degree of separation from communal spaces.

## Material Expression and Sustainability

The material palette of Mocha Manor plays a crucial role in defining its architectural character. The façade combines white stucco with dark vertical wooden slats, creating contrast while emphasizing modern aesthetics and enhancing natural light penetration. High-quality materials, including marble or premium stone in the kitchen and bathrooms, reinforce the project's commitment to durability and elegance.

Sustainable design principles are evident through the strategic orientation of the building, which maximizes passive solar gain. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also promotes a healthy indoor environment. The inclusion of extensive glazing allows for transparency and a strong connection to the exterior environment, further reflecting the thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape.

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The Next House: USA
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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.

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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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