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Adaptive Mashrabiyas and Natural Ventilation in a Modular Home Built with Insulated Clay Blocks

Adaptive Mashrabiyas and Natural Ventilation in a Modular Home Built with Insulated Clay Blocks
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Utilizing adaptive mashrabiyas and a solar chimney, this modular residence achieves environmental harmony and energy efficiency, serving as a contemporary family home designed for flexibility and comfort.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes adaptive mashrabiyas for dynamic sun control and ventilation.
02
Integrates a solar chimney for enhanced natural airflow and passive cooling.
03
Constructed with insulated clay blocks to maximize thermal efficiency.
04
Features a modular design that allows for future expansion without major renovations.
05
Employs renewable energy solutions, including integrated solar panels.

## Overview

Located in an environmentally sensitive area, the House of Future presents a modern approach to residential architecture that prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and integration with its surroundings. The design focuses on modularity, allowing individual components to respond effectively to local climate conditions while enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Key features include advanced natural ventilation systems and renewable energy technologies that collectively support an eco-friendly lifestyle.

## Spatial and Ventilation Strategy

The building's spatial layout is organized to facilitate social interaction while retaining personal privacy. The ground floor comprises communal living areas that encourage engagement with natural surroundings, while the upper levels provide private quarters with terraces that offer scenic views. A notable aspect is the incorporation of windcatchers and solar chimneys, which enhance natural ventilation by leveraging prevailing winds and facilitating thermal buoyancy. This approach significantly reduces reliance on conventional heating and cooling systems.

## Materiality and Aesthetic Composition

Material selection is integral to the project's performance and visual appeal. Insulated clay blocks form the primary structural elements, offering robust thermal insulation while minimizing energy consumption. The façade employs a mix of finishes, including reflective render treatments that reduce heat absorption. Adaptive mashrabiyas, designed from lightweight materials, serve not only as dynamic sun screens but also contribute to the building's aesthetic by casting varied light patterns throughout the day. This thoughtful combination of materials and design elements underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and innovative architectural expression.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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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

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