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Elevated Living Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

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Elevated Living Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this elevated dwelling integrates a micro farm to enhance self-sufficiency while harmonizing with its forested surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and environmental efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes space and energy use.
04
Includes a micro farm on the lower level to promote self-sufficiency year-round.
05
Elevated above ground, providing unobstructed views and reducing land impact.

## Project Overview

Located within a forested area, the Nestship project emphasizes sustainable living and community engagement through innovative architectural design. The intent is to minimize ecological impact while fostering a strong connection between the built environment and nature. By integrating modern architectural principles with ecological awareness, the design reflects a growing emphasis on sustainability in contemporary living.

## Spatial Organization and User Functionality

The Nestship comprises three distinct levels, each tailored to specific functions aligned with modern living while maintaining a connection to the outside environment.

### Top Level: Sleeping and Meditation Space
This upper level prioritizes tranquility and relaxation. It features sleeping quarters with large windows that enhance the connection to the arboreal surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere for rest and mindfulness.

### Middle Level: Living, Kitchen, and Working Space
Functioning as the core of daily activities, the middle level includes a kitchen, living area, and bathroom. An open layout promotes social interaction, while expansive, south-facing windows leverage passive solar gain, allowing natural light to regulate the internal climate.

### Bottom Level: Micro Farm Space
The lower level is dedicated to sustainability, featuring a micro farm that can operate year-round. This innovative space not only supports food production but also reinforces the project's commitment to ecological principles.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A commitment to sustainable materials is evident throughout the Nestship, with timber serving as the primary structural and aesthetic element. Other materials include insulated metal panels for energy efficiency and durability, alongside solar panels that contribute to the building's self-sufficiency.

The design also incorporates strategic features such as operating windows for passive ventilation, acoustic panels to enhance indoor sound quality, and skylights that maximize natural illumination. An adaptive façade system allows the structure to optimize performance according to the local climate, while advanced structural technologies, including a single pole system and simplified roller bearings, ensure stability and resilience. The project demonstrates a thoughtful approach to integrating human habitation within a natural context, emphasizing the importance of ecological responsibility in architectural design.

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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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