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3d Printed Concrete and Living Walls Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Desert Environment

3d Printed Concrete and Living Walls Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Desert Environment
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Utilizing 3D printed concrete and integrated living walls, this sustainable residence optimizes energy efficiency while fostering community connections in a desert urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed concrete construction minimizes material waste and allows for intricate design details.
02
Living walls integrate native plant species for enhanced biodiversity and natural cooling.
03
Modular space configurations enable adaptable living arrangements for changing family needs.
04
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the design, enhancing energy self-sufficiency.
05
Community-focused outdoor areas promote social interaction and strengthen neighborhood ties.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential design prioritizes sustainability and innovative building techniques within a rapidly evolving urban context. The project aims to integrate advanced technology with environmentally responsible practices, enhancing both individual living experiences and the well-being of the community. The framework promotes a symbiotic relationship between inhabitants and their environment, redefining the concept of home as both a shelter and an active contributor to the ecosystem.

## Spatial Configuration
The architectural massing employs simple geometric forms, primarily rectangular shapes, influenced by traditional vernacular architecture. This choice ensures efficient spatial utilization while reflecting the cultural aesthetics inherent to Dubai. Notable is the modular arrangement, enabling flexible internal configurations that adapt to varying programmatic requirements. The design promotes versatility, ensuring optimized usage across diverse living spaces.

## Material Selection
The project's material choices underscore its commitment to sustainability. Key components include:
- **3D Printed Concrete**: This method reduces waste and allows for rapid construction, facilitating complex design elements while maintaining structural integrity.
- **Living Wall Systems**: Incorporating plant life into building facades enhances natural cooling, aesthetics, and biodiversity.
- **Solar Panels**: These are integrated into the design to harness renewable energy, contributing to the project's self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

## Community Integration
The design emphasizes the creation of a cohesive community through shared spaces that promote social interaction among residents. Carefully designed landscaping blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, enhancing communal engagement and responsibility. Outdoor features such as shade structures offer relief from the sun while serving as venues for gatherings. The integration of natural landscaping also supports urban biodiversity and contributes to ecological sustainability within the metropolitan environment of Dubai.

## Functional Elements
The project's use of advanced technologies is fundamental to its innovative approach. Key features include:
- **Modular Construction Techniques**: These enhance customization options and allow for adaptable living spaces that can evolve alongside resident needs.
- **Automated Irrigation Systems**: These systems work in concert with living wall technology, optimizing water usage in a sustainable manner.
- **Energy Generation Systems**: By utilizing solar energy, the design addresses both energy efficiency and the potential for surplus energy contribution to the local grid.

This comprehensive approach highlights the project's dedication to aesthetic appeal, technological integration, and community enhancement while addressing environmental challenges in urban living.

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

`
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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