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Carbon-Capturing Homes Built with Desert Sand Concrete and Plastic Walls

Carbon-Capturing Homes Built with Desert Sand Concrete and Plastic Walls
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Constructed from carbon-capturing Sand Concrete and lightweight plastic walls, these homes integrate seamlessly into the desert environment while providing flexible living spaces for a sustainable community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Sand Concrete, which captures carbon during production.
02
Incorporates lightweight plastic walls for modular adaptability in design.
03
Features landscaping with native plants to enhance ecological integration.
04
Arranged in a grid layout to allow for flexible community configurations.
05
Utilizes renewable materials to minimize environmental impact in arid climates.

# Sandscape Homes: Analytical Report

## Overview

Sandscape Homes is situated in the United Arab Emirates and addresses the environmental and social challenges posed by the region's desert landscape. The project embodies a commitment to sustainability and community integration, focusing on innovative architectural solutions that harmonize with the local ecosystem. The design emphasizes the need for adaptive living spaces that can meet the demands of both residents and the harsh climatic conditions of the area.

## Material Innovation

The material palette of Sandscape Homes is integral to its sustainability goals. A primary component, **Sand Concrete**, is derived from local desert sand and employs carbon-capturing technologies during its production, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with conventional concrete. Additionally, the use of **recyclable plastic walls** contributes to a modular and lightweight structure, promoting flexibility in design and minimizing waste. Complementary elements such as **glass and metal** are incorporated for natural light integration and thermal efficiency, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout features a versatile configuration centered around the **slab design**, which measures 30 meters by 5 meters and allows for multiple housing arrangements. This strategy supports a variety of dwelling types, including:

- **Private Villas**: Individual units with landscaping for personal outdoor spaces.
- **Flexible Houses**: Adaptable designs accommodating families and individuals, supporting diverse living arrangements.
- **Duplex Units**: Efficiently utilize land while maintaining privacy for residents.

The overarching design fosters cohesive neighborhoods through features like **integrated landscaping** with native flora and a **walkable street design**, promoting social interaction and community engagement. This approach highlights the project’s intention to create living environments that prioritize both ecological integrity and human connectivity.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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

`
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
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