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Self-Sufficient Living with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Self-Sufficient Living with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles
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Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels and enhanced by charred wooden shingles, the design offers a self-sustaining living environment that maximizes space efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetics.
03
Features a bent A-frame design optimizing spatial efficiency and flexibility.
04
Integrates a modular layout that allows for easy reconfiguration of living spaces.
05
Utilizes renewable energy systems for self-sufficient power and water management.

**Project Overview**
Located within an urban setting, the design concept prioritizes self-sustaining modular housing that meets the needs of contemporary residents, particularly young professionals. The hub, referred to as the Hybrid Utility Base (HUB), integrates adaptability, sustainability, and multifunctionality. This approach reflects a growing demand for living environments that support work, leisure, and social interaction in compact units.

**Spatial Organization and Functional Dynamics**
The project features flexible layouts that allow for personalization, enabling residents to modify interior spaces according to their lifestyle needs. This design incorporates distinct zoning for work, recreation, and living, fostering a balance between privacy and social engagement. Common areas promote interaction among residents, while individual units provide retreat-like qualities. The interior finishes and ergonomic furniture enhance comfort across various activities, such as cooking and relaxation, ensuring a versatile use of space.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Strategies**
The material choices in the project emphasize both functionality and environmental responsibility. A steel frame provides structural integrity, complemented by KingSpan roofing panels that enhance energy efficiency. Durable plywood sheathing and wooden floorings add aesthetic warmth, while translucent tensile fabrics facilitate a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sustainable features include integrated hydroponic systems and rainwater harvesting solutions, contributing to self-sufficiency and minimizing reliance on municipal resources. Compact foldable furniture modules are designed for space efficiency, promoting multifunctional use without sacrificing comfort.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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

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