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Chestnut Stands and Mocha Accents in a User-Centric Space

Authors:
Zhenxiao Yang, Ashish Gangwar, Angela Viaje, Yoon Chai
Chestnut Stands and Mocha Accents in a User-Centric Space
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Constructed with chestnut accents and mocha-stained wood, the design prioritizes user comfort and energy efficiency, serving as an inviting space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with chestnut-stained wood for both aesthetic and structural integrity.
02
Mocha-stained wood serves as the primary design element, enhancing warmth.
03
Fiberglass insulation integrates energy efficiency without compromising design.
04
Interiors feature light-stained plywood, contributing to a spacious feel.
05
User-centric layout emphasizes intuitive navigation throughout the space.

The project showcases a well-thought-out design focused on functionality and user experience, carefully integrated into its surrounding environment. The design aims to create a smooth flow between various spaces, prioritizing practical use while also considering aesthetic appeal. This balance is evident in how the different areas interact with each other, ultimately enhancing usability and comfort for users.

Material Selection

The use of materials plays a significant role in shaping the character of the building. Mocha stained wood is used as the top component, adding a warm and inviting touch. This feature is paired with light stained plywood for the interior, which promotes an airy atmosphere, making the spaces feel more expansive while still allowing for cozy nooks.

Energy Efficiency

Fiberglass insulation is placed within the walls, highlighting a commitment to energy efficiency. This choice not only improves comfort by maintaining temperature but also reduces environmental impact. The insulation helps the building remain comfortable year-round, lessening the reliance on energy for heating and cooling.

Functional Details

The interior counter is made from enamel steel, which provides durability and easy upkeep. This material is well-suited for busy areas, as it can withstand regular use without showing wear. The exterior stand incorporates chestnut stained wood, tying the building to nature, while irving knotty pine is chosen for the stand’s exterior board. Together, these materials create a rich texture that connects the structure to its environment.

The overall design emphasizes clarity and purpose, ensuring that each element, from spatial arrangement to material choice, contributes to the building’s identity. It presents an architectural presence that is both inviting and practical, reflecting a thoughtful approach to modern design.

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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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