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Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Harmonize in a Contemporary Community Space

Author:
Kieran Gaffney
Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Harmonize in a Contemporary Community Space
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Combining cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this facility reimagines a historic barn into a versatile space for community gatherings and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates the existing stone barn with contemporary materials for functional contrast.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and enhance structural efficiency.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior volume while maintaining a connection to the rural context.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic in the building's exterior.
05
Landscaping features natural playgrounds designed to foster community interaction and ecological engagement.

### Project Overview
The project is located within a rural landscape, designed to integrate a modern facility with the existing stone barn on site. The design aims to balance contemporary architectural language with traditional craftsmanship, while prioritizing sustainability, functionality, and a connection to the natural surroundings. The new timber and thatch structure effectively repurposes the barn, allowing for contemporary uses while respecting its historical significance.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The layout comprises distinct zones that facilitate various activities, beginning with the Main Event Hall situated within the historical barn. This double-height space enhances communal interaction and connection to the landscape, serving as the focal point for gatherings. Above, private rooms are included to provide areas for relaxation and meditation, addressing the facility's wellness focus. The entrance features a cantilevered design, improving accessibility and encouraging fluid movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Materiality and Environmental Strategies
Local and sustainable materials are integral to the design philosophy. Timber is utilized extensively for structural elements, while thatch provides thermal insulation and visual continuity with traditional forms. The stone barn serves as a historical anchor, melding the new and old elements cohesively. Large glass windows facilitate natural light and views, reinforcing the relationship with the surrounding environment.

Environmental considerations include systems for microgeneration, rainwater harvesting, and natural heating methods, all aligning with contemporary sustainability practices. The landscape plan promotes ecological responsibility by incorporating features such as natural playgrounds and integrated parking, enhancing both the functionality of the space and the surrounding biodiversity.

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

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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