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Utilizing Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Walls for Compact Urban Living

Utilizing Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Walls for Compact Urban Living
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Harnessing the warmth of charred wooden shingles and the efficiency of modular walls, this compact urban dwelling redefines small-space living by prioritizing sustainability and community integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features modular walls that maximize interior functionality in a compact footprint.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
04
Designed with geometric windows to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Integrates acoustic treatments to effectively reduce urban noise.

### Project Overview

The Micro Luxe project is located within a densely populated urban area, designed to offer a compact yet functional living solution for modern professionals and couples. Its intent is to utilize limited space effectively while incorporating sustainable technologies. The design emphasizes multifunctional spaces that adapt to the lifestyle of its residents, responding to contemporary demands for efficient urban living.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality

The architectural approach prioritizes verticality to maximize usable square footage within a small footprint. The interior layout fosters an open flow, with components such as a multi-functional wall that houses essential living areas—including a kitchen, bedroom, and storage—within a single structure. Features such as accessible terraces promote outdoor interaction, enhancing community engagement.

Material selection plays a critical role in both aesthetics and functionality. The façade features vertical wooden slats, which not only provide warmth but also create a dynamic visual experience as they interact with light. Structural components are composed of steel, ensuring durability while maintaining minimal visual lines. Glass is utilized extensively to enhance connectivity with the outdoor environment, increase natural light penetration, and improve energy efficiency. Acoustic panels contribute to noise reduction, fostering a tranquil atmosphere within the urban setting.

### Sustainability Strategies

Micro Luxe integrates several sustainable initiatives designed to minimize ecological impact. Roof-mounted solar panels facilitate renewable energy use, while a rainwater harvesting system allows for the recycling of water for non-potable purposes. The building design employs passive techniques, including strategic orientation to optimize natural ventilation and daylighting. This approach reduces reliance on artificial climate control systems, promoting an eco-friendly living environment.

Materials are carefully chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their thermal performance and sustainability. The structural elements, insulation, and renewable energy systems work in conjunction to create an efficient living space that meets the demands of contemporary urban life.

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The Next House: USA
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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.

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