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3d-Printed Earth Bricks Create a Floating Structure for Sustainable Living

3d-Printed Earth Bricks Create a Floating Structure for Sustainable Living
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Constructed with 3D-printed earth bricks and designed as a floating structure, this sustainable residence in Dubai offers a flexible living space that integrates seamlessly with its desert landscape while emphasizing energy efficiency and modularity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using 3D-printed earth bricks, reducing construction waste.
02
The design incorporates a floating upper level to enhance natural ventilation.
03
Modular components allow for future expansions based on user needs.
04
Landscaping includes native plants to promote biodiversity and water conservation.
05
Integrates solar panels and rainwater harvesting for energy and water efficiency.

## Project Overview

The "Clay Tent" is situated in Dubai, a city characterized by its blend of traditional and modern architectural influences. Designed for a compact 30'x15' plot, the project challenges conventional residential concepts, positioning itself as a prototype for mass housing solutions in urban environments. By combining modern design principles with sustainable practices, the intent is to establish new benchmarks in residential architecture that are both innovative and contextually relevant.

## Spatial Configuration

The spatial layout of the residence is designed to balance public and private domains effectively. The ground floor comprises interactive communal areas, including a living room, dining space, and kitchen, promoting a convivial atmosphere. The upper level is dedicated to private quarters, featuring multiple bedrooms and bathrooms strategically oriented for optimal natural light and views. The design allows for modular expansion, enabling adaptation to changing family requirements through the integration of additional modules, thereby enhancing flexibility in urban living.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices are pivotal to the project's identity, merging traditional and contemporary construction techniques. Key elements include 3D-printed earth bricks for the foundational structure, concrete for structural stability in the upper levels, and extensive use of glass to enhance transparency and visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape. Wood accents in the facade and interior spaces foster an organic relationship with nature.

Sustainability is integral, with features such as solar panels for renewable energy generation, passive solar heating, and rainwater harvesting systems designed to minimize environmental impact. The use of 3D printing technology facilitates rapid construction while reducing material waste, contributing to both the efficiency of the build and the overall ecological footprint of the dwelling.

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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.

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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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
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Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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