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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Sustainable Living in Arid Environments

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Sustainable Living in Arid Environments
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design offers a sustainable solution for resilient living in arid environments, blending functionality with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves airflow and reduces heat gain.
04
Employs integrated rainwater harvesting systems for effective water management.
05
Maximizes community interaction through flexible and open communal spaces.

The Anti-Desertification House is located in sub-Saharan Africa, an area acutely affected by climate change and desertification. With an intent to create sustainable living environments that harmonize human needs with ecological preservation, the project employs innovative architectural methods to address water scarcity and promote resilience. By integrating bioclimatic principles, the design fosters energy efficiency and adaptability, aligning the built environment with natural systems.

### Design Framework and Material Utilization

The structural framework primarily consists of timber, selected for its low thermal mass, with a secondary support system that minimizes heat absorption and maximizes shade. The large overhanging roof design facilitates natural ventilation, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling. Composite materials and locally sourced natural substances form the walls, which feature intricate lattice patterns that enhance airflow and thermal efficiency. This approach balances strength and sustainability, employing engineered wood to ensure durability while maintaining eco-friendly standards.

### Sustainable Practices and Functional Adaptability

Water management is a key focus, incorporating rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and advanced filtration systems to support sustainable water use in arid climates. The house features photovoltaic panels aimed at achieving energy neutrality, supplemented by storage solutions to regulate energy consumption effectively. The spatial configuration is modular, allowing for reconfiguration to meet evolving community needs. Communal areas promote social interaction, while private spaces incorporate large windows to capture natural light and views, thus fostering an inclusive and engaging living environment. This design exemplifies a commitment to ecological responsibility and community enhancement in one of the world's most vulnerable regions.

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

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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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