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Sustainable Living Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glazing

Sustainable Living Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glazing
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Nestled within a sustainable framework, this residential tower employs charred wooden shingles and high-performance glazing to create a harmonious living environment that emphasizes energy efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic texture.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and allows for dynamic interior spaces.
04
Integrated solar panels significantly reduce energy reliance and promote self-sufficiency.
05
Community areas are designed to encourage resident interaction and foster social connections.

### Project Overview

Located in Hemel Hempstead, UK, the proposed development embodies a commitment to sustainability and affordable luxury within urban residential design. Originally conceived in 2016, the project aspires to set a benchmark in environmentally responsible living through innovative architectural solutions that blend modern lifestyle needs with the intent to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

### Spatial Strategy and Aesthetics

The design features a distinctive spiral form, contributing to an organic silhouette within the urban skyline. A rhythmic arrangement of balconies enhances both visual dynamism and private outdoor space for residents. The architecture prioritizes communal interaction, incorporating shared areas that encourage social engagement, including a central wooden circular seating arrangement. This layout not only facilitates community connections but also enriches the overall residential experience.

### Materiality and Sustainable Systems

The material palette emphasizes sustainability and performance. High-performance glazing is utilized to maximize natural light while ensuring thermal efficiency. Sustainable timber elements enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality, particularly in communal areas. The structural integrity of the building is supported by durable stone and concrete, contributing to its longevity.

In terms of sustainability, the design incorporates several advanced systems, including strategically placed solar panels for energy generation, electric vehicle charging stations, and efficient heat pumps to provide climate control. Additionally, the landscape design incorporates green roofs and plant installations, improving air quality and promoting biodiversity. The multifaceted green dome feature serves as a focal point for residents, providing sheltered areas for relaxation and interaction with nature.

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

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

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