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3d-Printed Concrete Structure Featuring Cultural Majlis and Natural Wood Accents

3d-Printed Concrete Structure Featuring Cultural Majlis and Natural Wood Accents
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A 3D-printed concrete framework integrates traditional Emirati majlis spaces with natural wood accents, creating a versatile residential environment that emphasizes cultural continuity and modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printing technology allows for rapid customization of the building's structural components.
02
The incorporation of traditional majlis spaces fosters community interaction and cultural preservation.
03
Natural wood accents provide thermal benefits and enhance indoor air quality.
04
The design optimizes natural ventilation through strategically placed openings.
05
Geometric forms create visual interest while maintaining functional living spaces.

### Overview

The Puzzle House is a residential design located in a community where modernity coexists with cultural heritage. The project aims to create a flexible living environment that reflects individual homeowner preferences while emphasizing sustainability and cultural sensitivity through its architectural methodology.

### Spatial Adaptability and Cultural Integration

Central to the design philosophy is the use of 3D printing technology, allowing for significant customization of individual units to meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of the inhabitants. This adaptability incorporates traditional Emirati architectural elements, exemplified by the inclusion of a majlis, a culturally significant gathering space, in tandem with contemporary design aspects. The layout facilitates various living arrangements, enabling residents to modify room configurations and communal areas according to their lifestyle needs.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

The choice of materials combines durability with aesthetic appeal. The structure employs 3D-printed concrete for its resilience, complemented by large glass panels that foster visual connectivity with the exterior and optimize natural light intake. Timber elements are integrated within the facade for warmth, contributing to both the visual and physical comfort of the interior spaces. The use of steel framing enhances structural stability, which supports the innovative design while ensuring safety.

Sustainability is further enhanced through an energy-efficient design strategy that utilizes natural ventilation techniques, reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental responsibility. The architectural elements are designed to respond effectively to the local climate, improving indoor conditions and quality of life for residents through efficient airflow and spatial organization.

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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

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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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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