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Airflow-Optimized Courtyard Home Incorporating Sustainable Limestone and Fabric Elements

Airflow-Optimized Courtyard Home Incorporating Sustainable Limestone and Fabric Elements
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Incorporating aerated concrete and sustainable limestone, this home utilizes natural ventilation and a central courtyard to create a comfortable living environment tailored for modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Tycon aerated concrete blocks for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features an interior courtyard designed for natural cooling and aesthetics.
03
Incorporates Silka limestone for both insulation and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates solar panel systems for renewable energy generation.
05
Employs carved gypsum detailing that reflects traditional craftsmanship.

**Project Overview**
The House of the Future, located in Dubai, demonstrates a forward-thinking architectural vision under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The design prioritizes sustainable living while embracing modern functionality and maintaining cultural heritage. Reflecting the dynamic and rapidly evolving context of Dubai, the house integrates contemporary architectural elements with traditional influences.

**Spatial Organization and User Experience**
The residential layout consists of two levels, featuring a ground floor with a welcoming entrance hall, an open living room designed for social interaction, and a dining area that promotes fluid movement throughout the space. A courtyard with a fountain enhances tranquility, drawing inspiration from traditional Middle Eastern architecture. The first floor includes family sitting areas and bedrooms engineered for privacy and comfort, each seamlessly connected to outdoor spaces that afford panoramic views.

**Material Consideration and Sustainability**
The material selection is purposeful and aligns with both aesthetic values and functional requirements. Exterior walls are constructed using Tycon aerated concrete blocks for thermal insulation, while Silka limestone is employed for the interior, enhancing both comfort and visual appeal. The roofing incorporates tensile fabric for shading in car parking areas, alongside carved gypsum elements to enrich the interior with a touch of traditional craftsmanship. The design incorporates passive solar principles to enhance energy efficiency, solar panels for renewable energy generation, and systems for water management, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable living practices in an arid environment.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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.

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

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