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Charred Wooden Slats and Natural Ventilation in a Dual-Level Habitat
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Employing charred wooden slats for shading and natural ventilation, this dual-level residence enhances energy efficiency while seamlessly connecting indoor spaces with surrounding nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates charred wooden slats that provide effective shading while enhancing durability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
Natural ventilation channels promote airflow, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.
04
A dual-level layout enables flexible space utilization to accommodate changing needs.
05
Integrated green walls enhance biodiversity and contribute to indoor air quality.

**Overview and Intent**
Located in a context conducive to sustainable living, "Heat-Wind-Shelter" reflects a commitment to environmentally responsive design. This residential project aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and natural surroundings while promoting energy efficiency and comfort. The architectural strategy incorporates flexible spatial configurations that facilitate interaction with elements such as sunlight and wind, thereby addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

**Spatial Organization and Interaction**
The layout consists of an open-plan design that emphasizes adaptability, allowing inhabitants to tailor their living spaces according to their needs. Features such as strategically placed large windows enhance natural light and create visual connectivity with outdoor areas, contributing to improved air quality and fostering a sense of well-being. Communal spaces, including gardens and terraces, are integrated to encourage social interaction among residents, reinforcing community ties.

**Materiality and Environmental Considerations**
The project employs a deliberate selection of materials designed to harmonize with its ecological context. Extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and a strong connection to the outdoors, while wooden slats provide essential shading and ventilation. Concrete elements provide durability and texture, grounding the structure in its environment. The façade incorporates a woven pattern of wooden slats to mitigate solar gain, enhancing passive cooling strategies and reducing the need for mechanical systems. The integration of local flora in landscaping supports biodiversity and aligns with biophilic design principles. Furthermore, the structure’s passive solar management features and strategic wind channels ensure resilience against varying climate conditions, promoting a sustainable living environment.

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The Next House: USA
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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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