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Biodegradable Fabric Façade Integrating Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Community Living

Biodegradable Fabric Façade Integrating Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Community Living
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Utilizing a biodegradable fabric façade and innovative natural ventilation systems, the design redefines sustainable living in a modular residential community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a biodegradable fabric façade that evolves with environmental conditions.
02
Incorporates natural ventilation systems through strategically placed wind towers.
03
Features modular construction with a 3x3 meter standard for flexibility.
04
Emphasizes community interaction with a central courtyard design.
05
Utilizes sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled textiles.

## Project Overview

"Woven Abode" is situated in Dubai, a region characterized by a challenging climate that necessitates innovative architectural solutions. The design of the structure incorporates fabric as a primary material, merging traditional architectural influences with contemporary technological applications. This approach facilitates an interaction between the building and its environment, positioning the structure as both a functional dwelling and a responsive entity reflective of its cultural and historical context.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Central to the design is the use of sustainable materials that promote environmental stewardship and adaptability. Biodegradable fabric serves as the primary façade, allowing the structure to evolve naturally over time. Organic cotton is selected for its thermal properties, contributing to energy efficiency, while hemp and recycled textiles minimize the carbon footprint associated with construction. Steel is utilized for the support framework, ensuring durability and structural integrity, complemented by glass elements that enhance natural light and ventilation.

The architectural design emphasizes energy efficiency through natural insulation, daylight optimization, and improved indoor air quality. The components of the design allow for deconstruction and recycling, ensuring sustainability throughout the building’s lifecycle. By integrating innovative materials with a focus on environmental impact, "Woven Abode" establishes a model for future architectural endeavors.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout of "Woven Abode" features modular spaces arranged around a central courtyard, fostering a sense of community while maintaining privacy for residents. A standardized 3x3 meter module facilitates a variety of spatial configurations, addressing diverse functional requirements. The orientation of living areas around the courtyard enhances connectivity and promotes cross-ventilation, crucial for adapting to Dubai's climate.

Architectural elements such as vaulted ceilings and wind towers enhance natural ventilation, combating heat while enriching the interior environment. The dynamic fabric cladding not only contributes to the building's aesthetic but also accommodates seasonal changes, reinforcing the adaptability of the structure in response to environmental conditions.

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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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