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Hydraulic Lift Residence with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Hydraulic Lift Residence with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles
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Elevated above flood levels, the residence employs a hydraulic lift system and incorporates cross-laminated timber with charred wooden shingles, creating a sustainable living space that adapts to environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated hydraulic lift system adjusts the home according to flood levels.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles improve durability and provide fire resistance.
04
Bent A-frame design optimizes natural ventilation and aesthetics.
05
Integrated aquaponics system supports local food production on-site.

## Overview

The Oregano project is an elevated eco-sustainable residence designed to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly flooding and displacement. Strategically located in regions susceptible to extreme weather, the design integrates advanced technologies and smart design principles to foster resilience and sustainability. It emphasizes functionality while maintaining a strong sense of community through adaptable spaces that accommodate various activities.

## Spatial Configuration and Interaction

The residence covers an area of 25 square meters, optimizing space without compromising comfort. Its open layout features a central area that combines the living room, kitchen, and dining space, promoting interaction among occupants while providing versatility for different uses. The strategic division between communal areas and private quarters, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, ensures both social engagement and individual privacy, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

## Innovative Resilience Features

A key element of the structure is its hydraulic lifting system, which employs water-filled chambers to elevate the building in response to rising floodwaters, thereby enhancing safety. The elevated design not only protects the residence but also ensures access to natural surroundings and vistas. Furthermore, sustainable strategies such as a rooftop rainwater harvesting system contribute to self-sufficiency in water needs, while on-site vegetable gardens and aquaponics facilities promote sustainable food sourcing. Materials selected for the project include recycled wood for cladding, energy-efficient glass, water-resistant coatings, and green insulation, all chosen to maximize durability and minimize environmental impact.

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

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