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3d-Printed Earth and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Living Spaces in Arid Environments

3d-Printed Earth and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Living Spaces in Arid Environments
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Utilizing 3D-printed earth and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates sustainable practices to create adaptable living spaces that harmonize with the arid landscape of Abu Dhabi.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed earth for environmentally responsible construction.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural performance.
03
Features natural ventilation via strategically designed wind towers.
04
Includes passive solar design principles to minimize energy use.
05
Integrates a modular layout for future adaptability to community needs.

### Project Overview
"Oasis - Harmony in Circularity" is located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and presents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable architecture. The project focuses on integrating circular agricultural practices within urban environments, emphasizing community-oriented living that is both resource-efficient and adaptable. This design reflects a commitment to modern ecological practices, enhancing both agricultural output and human habitats.

### Integrative Design and Spatial Strategy
The foundation of this project lies in the synergy between agricultural systems and architectural forms. It incorporates circular crop patterns to establish a symbiotic relationship between residents and the surrounding landscape. This non-linear spatial configuration allows for future expansions, accommodating shifts in community needs while emphasizing flexibility. The design also includes wind towers, which facilitate natural ventilation without reliance on mechanical systems, thereby reducing energy consumption. The strategic placement of solar panels further enhances energy self-sufficiency, positioning the building as a prototype for sustainable living in arid climates.

### Materiality and Environmental Response
A diverse selection of materials underpins the project's sustainability goals. Walls constructed from 3D-printed earth diminish CO2 emissions, while timber and metal beams provide structural integrity with a focus on sustainability. Glass elements optimize natural lighting, contributing to energy efficiency within the interiors. Practical features such as rainwater harvesting systems promote effective water management and resource conservation. The project's overall aesthetic balances organic and geometric forms, drawing inspiration from the natural environment and reinforcing the connection between built and natural spaces.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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