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Carbon-Negative Concrete and Greystock Stones in a Family-Centric Residence

Carbon-Negative Concrete and Greystock Stones in a Family-Centric Residence
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Utilizing carbon-negative concrete and greystock stones, the residence prioritizes sustainability and family privacy while seamlessly integrating local materials and climate-responsive design principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes carbon-negative concrete sourced from desalination brine.
02
Features greystock stones that enhance thermal regulation and humidity control.
03
Incorporates sheep wool insulation for improved energy efficiency.
04
Employs a layered privacy strategy with a dedicated courtyard design.
05
Includes adaptive shading solutions to minimize heat gain in outdoor areas.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, this design focuses on integrating cultural values with contemporary architectural practices and an emphasis on sustainability. The intent is to create a living environment that fosters familial connections and individual privacy while also reflecting local architectural traditions adapted to meet modern requirements.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is carefully designed to address both social interaction and privacy among family members, echoing the importance of hospitality in local customs. It features a tri-layered privacy system, which includes a boundary wall for initial protection from public view, a thoughtfully designed courtyard to facilitate interactions, and a separate entrance hall to maintain the distinction between family and guest spaces. Functional zones are clearly defined, encompassing service areas and living spaces, allowing for both current needs and future growth adaptations.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project incorporates a range of sustainable materials, all contributing to its environmental goals. Key components include carbon-negative concrete sourced from magnesium-based cement, reclaimed steel for structural integrity, and insulating sheep wool. Interior partitions utilize clay boards for improved thermal mass and acoustics, while triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency with minimal heat loss. Additionally, greystock stones help regulate temperature and humidity.

Sustainability practices are embedded in the design through various strategies. Water management initiatives aim for a 50% reduction in consumption via graywater recycling and native xeriscaping. Energy efficiency is prioritized through rooftop solar panels that generate surplus power and innovative thermal control measures, including lynch-style roofs that minimize heat absorption. These components underscore a commitment to ecological sensitivity while preserving the architectural narrative tailored to the region’s climate and cultural setting.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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