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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a Modern Community Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a Modern Community Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design embodies a contemporary aesthetic while fostering community interaction in a carefully crafted multifunctional space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes space while creating a distinctive visual profile.
04
Integrated green roofs promote biodiversity and natural insulation for energy efficiency.
05
Community-focused layouts encourage social interaction and collaborative use of spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the residential design integrates contemporary aesthetics with traditional Middle Eastern elements, reflecting the region's cultural heritage. The intent is to create a livable environment that fosters both family interaction and community engagement while addressing contemporary architectural challenges. The design framework centers around the harmonious coexistence of modernity and tradition, using architectural forms that emphasize symmetry and order.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality

The spatial arrangement features open floor plans that enhance light and air circulation, promoting a healthy living environment. Communal spaces, including the living room, dining area, and kitchen, are designed to connect with outdoor terraces, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor living experience. The use of expansive glass walls invites natural light into the main living areas, reinforcing the interaction between spaces.

The project's commitment to sustainability is evident through its material choices. Insulating frameworks utilize polystyrene, providing excellent thermal insulation and reducing energy consumption, while lightweight properties facilitate quicker construction. Complementarily, reinforced concrete contributes structural integrity and enhances energy efficiency, as it supports effective temperature regulation and can be recycled.

### Cultural Integration and Energy Efficiency

Reflecting local architectural traditions, the façade incorporates contemporary interpretations of traditional motifs through the use of perforated wooden screens, which offer privacy and light control. This design strategy mitigates the intense sunlight typical of the region, creating a comfortable interior environment.

Sustainability features prominently in the project's design, with insulating materials playing a vital role in promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The integration of outdoor areas, including a swimming pool, enhances recreational opportunities and strengthens the relationship between indoor and outdoor living spaces, aligning with modern lifestyle preferences.

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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.

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

Open architecture competitions

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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