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3d Printed Panels and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Family Living

3d Printed Panels and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Family Living
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Incorporating 3D printed panels and traditional wind-catchers, the design creates a sustainable family home that harmonizes cultural heritage with modern efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates 3D printed architectural elements for design flexibility.
02
Utilizes wind-catchers for natural ventilation and cooling.
03
Features a central courtyard to promote family interaction.
04
Constructed with modular pre-cast panels for efficient assembly.
05
Integrates local stonework to enhance regional identity.

### Overview

The 80x80 Grid Home is designed in the United Arab Emirates with a focus on sustainable living that harmonizes modern architectural practices with cultural heritage. Its modular structure allows for flexibility and adaptability, catering to the changing dynamics of family life over time. This residence is informed by traditional Emirati concepts, particularly the Majlis, which serves as a central gathering space, fostering both social interaction and family privacy.

### Spatial Organization and Accessibility

The spatial configuration of the home features a thoughtful zoning strategy that differentiates public and private spaces while enhancing accessibility. The ground floor is centered around a courtyard that integrates indoor and outdoor areas, facilitating natural ventilation and cooling. Key living spaces, including the living room, dining room, and Majlis, are designed for inclusivity, with wide doorways and ramps that accommodate all family members.

On the upper floor, private areas like bedrooms emphasize tranquility while maintaining a connection to communal spaces through open galleries overlooking the courtyard. This layout supports both individual privacy and family interaction, reflecting a balance between personal retreat and social engagement.

### Material and Sustainable Practices

The construction utilizes a variety of sustainable materials to enhance both durability and environmental responsibility. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while 3D printed panels featuring geometric patterns contribute to aesthetic appeal and thermal insulation. Natural stone is incorporated in the façade to enhance local authenticity, and strategically placed glass elements maximize natural light and energy efficiency.

Sustainability is further advanced through technologies such as wind-catchers for passive cooling, solar panels to reduce energy consumption, and green roofs that promote insulation and biodiversity. These design choices exemplify a commitment to ecological balance, integrating innovative features that respond to the climatic conditions of the region while minimizing the ecological impact.

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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.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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