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3d Printed Local Mud Structure Enhancing Natural Ventilation with Perforated Walls

3d Printed Local Mud Structure Enhancing Natural Ventilation with Perforated Walls
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Utilizing 3D printed local mud and innovative perforated walls, this residence achieves exceptional natural ventilation while incorporating traditional Emirati elements to create a functional and culturally resonant family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D printed local mud forms the primary structure, allowing for unique design flexibility.
02
Perforated walls enhance natural ventilation while providing visual interest and privacy.
03
The design incorporates a traditional Barjeel, adapting historical elements for modern comfort.
04
Courtyard water features integrate evaporative cooling, contributing to a sustainable climate strategy.
05
Interior spaces can be reconfigured with flexible partitions to accommodate evolving family needs.

## Architectural Design Analysis Report: Innovative Emirati House

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, this dwelling integrates traditional Emirati architectural principles with contemporary construction methods and sustainable technologies. The design reflects a commitment to cultural heritage while utilizing innovative materials and systems, including 3D printing, to create a versatile and functional living space.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout emphasizes openness and social interaction through the incorporation of courtyards and community spaces. An open floor plan on the ground level accommodates shared living areas, such as the kitchen and dining spaces, while private living quarters are situated on the first floor. The strategic placement of a **Barjeel**, or wind tower, facilitates natural ventilation and cooling, adapting traditional methods to enhance the contemporary living experience. Perforated wall systems are employed to regulate light and maintain privacy, crucial elements in Emirati culture.

### Material Selection
The structure employs a range of innovative materials designed for sustainability and durability. Primary components include **3D printed local mud**, which allows for creative architectural forms while minimizing waste. **Gypsum board** is utilized for interior walls, providing flexibility for future modifications. Additional elements such as **wood beams** contribute to the aesthetic warmth and structural integrity of the interiors. Integrated **cooling canals** in the walls channel outside air into living spaces, while a **courtyard fountain** serves to cool the environment through evaporation, showcasing an effective interplay of natural features and modern design strategies.

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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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Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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