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Elevated Structure Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Integration for Community Engagement

Elevated Structure Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Integration for Community Engagement
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Nestled atop the Hill of the Virgin, the elevated platform seamlessly combines charred wooden shingles and sustainable timber to create a community space that fosters connection with nature and offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platform design maximizes panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame structure, promoting unique spatial dynamics.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
05
Integrates seamlessly with the natural terrain to minimize ecological impact.

### Overview

The Hill of the Virgin project is located in the municipality of Saint-Léger, Belgium, characterized by its rolling hills and dense forests. The design aims to foster a connection between human experience and the natural landscape, employing principles of simplicity and transparency. By integrating architectural elements with the surrounding environment, the structure serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, encouraging exploration and interaction within its setting.

### Spatial Dynamics and Structure

At the pinnacle of the site, the design introduces a tall, elevated platform that allows for immersive views of the forest. The architectural form is defined by a square base transitioning into a streamlined vertical structure, which adheres to modern minimalism while paying homage to traditional design. The open floor plan is arranged to create adaptable spaces that facilitate social interaction and provide private retreats for reflection. A spiral staircase enhances vertical circulation, serving both practical and artistic functions by connecting levels and symbolizing ascent and discovery.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a critical role in articulating the architectural vision. The use of timber reflects sustainability principles, contributing warmth and a natural aesthetic that complements the environment. Extensive use of glass in the façade promotes natural light and visual transparency, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Steel is utilized for structural support, ensuring stability while maintaining a sense of lightness in form. Furthermore, the project incorporates green roofs and landscaping to enrich biodiversity, while its elevated design limits disturbance to the natural terrain, reinforcing a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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