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Curved Facades of Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light in a Senior Housing Community

Curved Facades of Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light in a Senior Housing Community
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Curved facades clad in charred wood shingles enhance natural light while fostering community interaction in a thoughtfully designed senior housing complex.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved facades integrate natural light while providing aesthetic continuity with the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and maintenance while offering a distinctive visual appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Community spaces are strategically placed to promote interaction and accessibility among residents.
05
The design features a bent A-frame roof, facilitating unique spatial experiences and optimizing views.

## Project Overview

"WAVE" is situated in the northern region of Liège, Belgium, an area undergoing revitalization due to its location near the Meuse River and adjacent canals. The project aims to create a communal hub that primarily serves elderly residents, fostering a serene living environment that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

## Community-Focused Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes community engagement through its spatial organization, providing a range of living arrangements including studio flats, one-bedroom apartments, and three-room units. Key communal spaces, such as kitchens, gyms, libraries, and lounges, encourage interaction among residents, while designated hobby areas support lifelong learning. The layout facilitates both private and communal experiences, promoting social ties within the resident community.

## Architectural and Material Composition

The form of "WAVE" draws on its riverine context, with a roofline inspired by the sails of boats, enhancing the connection between architecture and water. The building employs a combination of traditional and contemporary materials such as brick for structural integrity, concrete for modern aesthetics, glass for transparency, and wood for warmth in living spaces. The design features undulating forms and strategically placed windows that invite natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The façade integrates with the environment, further enriching the residents' experience through the incorporation of greenery and open spaces.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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