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Biomimetic Structure Featuring GRC Panels and Traditional Sandalwood Enhancing Community Living

Biomimetic Structure Featuring GRC Panels and Traditional Sandalwood Enhancing Community Living
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Incorporating GRC panels and sandalwood elements, the design blends biomimetic principles with modular units to create a sustainable community housing initiative that fosters social interaction and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes GRC panels, allowing for customizable facades that enhance aesthetic value while maintaining structural integrity.
02
Sandalwood is integrated into mashrabiya features, providing both cultural significance and natural ventilation.
03
Biomimetic design principles are applied, drawing inspiration from local flora for optimal resource allocation.
04
Modular housing units promote adaptability for various family structures, accommodating evolving lifestyle needs.
05
The inclusion of diverse landscaping features supports local biodiversity and integrates ecological functions into the living environment.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project is designed to enhance community cohesion while integrating contemporary architectural practices with the region's cultural heritage. It balances the demands of modern living with sustainable design principles, drawing on the social fabric and historical context of Emirati life. The design introduces open spaces, biomimicry, and modular layouts, creating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally viable.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design prioritizes open spaces, incorporating linear gardens and communal areas that promote social interactions among residents while addressing ecological concerns. Linear gardens serve as both environmental filters and social hubs, improving air quality and encouraging community engagement. Medium-sized gardens function as recreational gathering points, fostering communal life during cooler evening hours. Small gardens reflect traditional Emirati courtyard designs, providing spaces for relaxation, socializing, and cultural practices.

### Materiality and Sustainable Features
The construction employs a diverse material palette that aligns aesthetics with functional requirements. Glass Reinforced Concrete Panels (GRC) are utilized for their durability and design versatility. Sandalwood features enhance both traditional relevance and visual depth, while rammed earth contributes to eco-friendly building practices. Lygustrum texanum is incorporated into green walls to enrich biodiversity and provide thermal insulation. The landscape design includes palm and yucca plants that enhance visual appeal and contribute to a sustainable environment.

The integration of biomimicry plays a crucial role in the architectural strategy, with housing units inspired by the structural growth patterns of plants. This approach facilitates flexibility and adaptability to residents' changing needs. A modular design principle allows customization of living spaces, catering to various family structures and future adaptations, while centralized systems enhance energy efficiency and climate control.

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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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