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Adaptive Shading Systems and Rammed Earth Construction in a Sustainable Residential Design

Adaptive Shading Systems and Rammed Earth Construction in a Sustainable Residential Design
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Incorporating an adaptive shading system and rammed earth construction, the design prioritizes sustainability while effectively serving as a modern residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a smart shading system that adjusts automatically to environmental conditions.
02
Features an extensive central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and light distribution.
03
Incorporates rammed earth walls for superior thermal mass and energy efficiency.
04
Employs heat-treated wood for both durability and aesthetic appeal in shading devices.
05
Integrates large glass panels to blur distinctions between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Overview

The House of Future is situated in Dubai and addresses the region's climatic and cultural characteristics through a sustainable architectural framework. Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern elements such as the Barjeel (wind tower) and Mashrabiya, the design merges modern functionality with cultural heritage to create an innovative living space that integrates technology with natural features.

### Architectural Form and Interior Layout

The exterior showcases a unique composition of geometric patterns and materials that reflect traditional aesthetics while employing advanced construction technologies. The design incorporates a courtyard layout, central to the home, which promotes a balance of communal and private areas. The arrangement of large windows and transparent materials enhances natural light while minimizing the need for artificial illumination. The interior utilizes an open-concept plan, encouraging interaction among occupants. Private spaces, including guest rooms, are strategically arranged around the courtyard to maintain privacy while remaining connected to communal areas, enhancing the overall spatial experience.

### Material Palette and Sustainability

The project features a diverse selection of materials, including Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC), steel, rammed earth, and heat-treated wooden strips. GRC provides durability and design flexibility, steel contributes structural robustness, rammed earth offers thermal mass for passive temperature regulation, and wooden elements serve both aesthetic and functional roles such as light modulation and privacy. The sustainability framework encompasses solar energy systems, natural ventilation strategies, and efficient water management techniques. Photovoltaic panels harness renewable energy, while the Barjeel system facilitates airflow to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. Greywater treatment systems promote water conservation, underscoring the project's commitment to self-sufficiency and ecological responsibility.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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