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Cross-Laminated Timber Frames Enhanced by Charred Shingles in Sustainable Family Housing

Cross-Laminated Timber Frames Enhanced by Charred Shingles in Sustainable Family Housing
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Showcasing cross-laminated timber construction paired with charred wooden shingles, this family housing design emphasizes sustainability while offering adaptable living spaces within a communal framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and rapid construction.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a contemporary aesthetic.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation across living spaces.
04
Modular units allow for flexible interior configurations tailored to occupant needs.
05
Integration of green roofs promotes ecological balance and urban biodiversity.

## Overview

Located in an urban setting, the project focuses on personalizing residential living spaces while emphasizing community integration and sustainability. By reimagining traditional housing forms, it aims to enhance the adaptability and functionality of family units, addressing contemporary demands for individualized spaces within a cohesive neighborhood context.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The design comprises two main levels, with versatile residential units configured to accommodate the varied needs of families. On the ground floor, flexible units facilitate diverse arrangements, allowing residents to modify spaces in response to changing lifestyles. Each unit includes an individual garage, ensuring privacy while maintaining ease of access to communal areas. Shared open spaces are strategically placed to foster interactions among residents, promoting a sense of belonging within the community. The first floor features family units that connect with outdoor areas through balconies and terraces, enhancing natural light and cross-ventilation while encouraging outdoor living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The project utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary construction material due to its environmental advantages and structural integrity, providing superior insulation and contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Concrete serves as a foundational element, ensuring stability and design flexibility. Extensive glazing is employed to maximize natural light and visually integrate the interiors with the surrounding landscape. The design also features green roofs and living walls, further increasing environmental performance. To optimize energy efficiency, the incorporation of solar panels allows the residential units to produce significant surplus energy, while water conservation measures support efficient resource management and contribute to a sustainable living environment. Indoor climates are enhanced through strategic placement of greenery, which supports natural ventilation and thermal regulation.

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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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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