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Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Create Community-Focused Living for Seniors

Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Create Community-Focused Living for Seniors
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Incorporating cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, the design transforms traditional senior living into a community-focused environment that prioritizes accessibility and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, allowing for unique spatial dynamics and natural light penetration.
04
Integrates accessible pathways and communal gardens specifically designed for senior mobility needs.
05
Includes multifunctional communal spaces to promote social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview

This architectural design project is situated in a context that prioritizes the needs of senior citizens, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s disease. The intention is to foster community, accessibility, and engagement, addressing the issues of isolation that are common within this demographic. The design draws inspiration from the 'Bielefeld model,' promoting the concept of “Alzheimer villages” to create a living environment that encourages interaction and independence among residents.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The layout of the project consists of three interconnected buildings housing 34 apartments, including 20 that are handicap accessible and 4 specifically designed for wheelchair use. The buildings are organized to encourage community interaction, with a central area that features essential services such as a grocery shop and a café. Courtyards and green spaces are strategically positioned between the buildings to enhance the outdoor experience and facilitate social engagement, particularly for residents with mobility challenges.

## Material Utilization and Architectural Intent

The architectural language emphasizes simplicity and functionality, utilizing a material palette that includes engineered timber for warmth and aesthetic appeal, as well as glass for expansive window spaces that maximize natural light. Concrete is employed in flooring and foundation elements to ensure durability, while steel is utilized for structural support, particularly in balconies and communal areas. Each apartment features a private balcony to promote individual outdoor space while maintaining connections to communal areas below. This design strategy not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also supports a sustainable approach in both form and function.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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.

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