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Natural Stone Facades with Timber Accents Shape Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Francisca María Ariza Crespo, Salvador López Serrano, José María Calzado álvarez De Lara
Natural Stone Facades with Timber Accents Shape Sustainable Community Living
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Incorporating natural stone facades and timber accents, this residential design fosters a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape while providing essential communal and private living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural stone facades are designed to blend seamlessly with the local landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic and improve durability against weathering.
04
Internal courtyards offer private outdoor spaces for residents, promoting well-being.
05
The bent A-frame design enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the living areas.

### Architectural Report: Residential Design Project in Portugal

#### Overview

Located in the tranquil countryside of Portugal, this residential development is conceived to integrate with the natural landscape while promoting sustainable living and community engagement. The design emphasizes a holistic relationship between the built environment and its context, acknowledging the site's topography and the cultural heritage of traditional Portuguese architecture. Through careful spatial arrangements, the project creates a fluid interaction between various living spaces while maintaining distinct areas for privacy and communal activities.

#### Spatial Strategy

The layout consists of a series of interconnected structures that facilitate both individual and shared experiences. Upper levels are designated for living spaces with expansive views of the landscape, while the lower levels provide more intimate environments conducive to relaxation and social gathering. Key functional areas include an entrance, multi-purpose rooms, communal spaces, and a variety of bedroom configurations, ensuring a balance between personal retreat and community connection.

#### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials reflects both local characteristics and environmental considerations. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring durability, while natural stone is employed for exterior finishes, facilitating integration with the terrain. Timber elements introduce warmth to interior spaces, and large glass features enhance natural light and visual continuity with the outdoors. Clay tiles, traditional to the region, provide thermal efficiency and contribute to the aesthetic cohesion with vernacular architecture. Notably, sustainable design principles are evident through passive solar strategies and the use of materials that minimize environmental impact, underscoring a commitment to ecological responsibility.

The overall design approach fosters a sense of place that harmonizes with the surroundings, ensuring the development not only functions effectively but also enhances the quality of life for its residents.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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