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Suspended Living Spaces Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Constructed Within a Forested Setting

Suspended Living Spaces Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Constructed Within a Forested Setting
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and laminated timber, this suspended microhome harmonizes with its forested environment while providing a tranquil living space for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior provides natural fire resistance.
02
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and insulation.
03
A bent A-frame architecture maximizes headroom while minimizing material usage.
04
Suspended from trees, the structure reduces site disturbance in sensitive forest areas.
05
Adjustable facade slats offer customizable privacy and light control throughout the day.

### Overview

Located in a forested landscape, the microhome concept "A Forest for Rest" is designed to provide a distinct dwelling experience that aligns with the surrounding environment. It emphasizes themes of environmental integration, innovative material use, and user adaptability, drawing inspiration from the natural setting to enhance inhabitant interaction with the landscape.

### Structural Design & Materiality

The modular structure is composed of tubular steel profiles, allowing for flexible placement in varied topographies, including suspending from trees and positioning on slopes or above water. The facade features adjustable slats that serve multiple functions: they enhance privacy, facilitate light control, and enable a continuous connection between the interior and exterior.

**Materials Utilized**:
- **Exterior**: Steel profiles for structural integrity; glass facades to maximize light exposure and panoramic views; laminated timber panels for thermal insulation and visual appeal.
- **Roofing**: A green roof system that improves thermal regulation and integrates the structure with its natural context, alongside photovoltaic panels for sustainable energy.
- **Insulation**: Cork sheet insulation for thermal efficiency and a breathable waterproofing sheet to protect the interior from moisture, ensuring durability and comfort.

### Spatial Composition & User Experience

The microhome features a two-level layout designed for essential living functions. The main level accommodates a living area, fireplace, and adaptable furniture, while the upper level is dedicated to sleeping arrangements with designated storage. Natural light is harnessed through expansive glass panels, complemented by design elements that include shadowing features to moderate sunlight exposure.

Key design characteristics include a hanging mechanism, which enhances site selection versatility, and adjustable slats for user-controlled privacy and light modulation. Additionally, wildlife-friendly elements are incorporated to promote ecological awareness, such as visual filters that aim to reduce bird collisions. The project reflects a commitment to sustainability while fostering a harmonious relationship with its forested environment.

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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
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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