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Carved Limestone Structures Enabling Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Desert Housing

Carved Limestone Structures Enabling Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Desert Housing
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Carved from the earth and constructed with locally sourced limestone, this sustainable housing solution prioritizes natural ventilation and thermal comfort in the harsh desert environment, creating a functional and adaptable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carved limestone construction enhances thermal mass for effective heat regulation.
02
Strategic elevation of building sections creates shaded areas for natural cooling.
03
Extensive use of glass reduces reliance on artificial lighting and fosters indoor-outdoor connections.
04
Perforated metal panels provide privacy while allowing for airflow and light penetration.
05
Central courtyard design maximizes ventilation and creates an inviting communal space.

## Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project emphasizes a climate-responsive approach to housing, addressing the region's extreme heat while creating functional living environments that prioritize user comfort. The design integrates natural environmental considerations into urban architecture, establishing a large, shaded underground space that utilizes locally sourced limestone for structural and cooling benefits. The conceptual framework centers on the action of carving sections from the earth and raising constructed elements to promote natural ventilation and shade.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The architectural layout consists of three primary levels: a basement for utilities, a first floor dedicated to communal living areas, and a second floor that hosts private spaces. The inclusion of a central courtyard enhances visual connectivity and facilitates airflow throughout the dwelling. This strategic organization creates distinct zones for various activities while ensuring communal interaction, contributing to an enriched living experience that fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality is fundamental to the project, as it underscores both aesthetic coherence and functional performance. Locally sourced limestone is employed for its cooling properties and structural integrity, while perforated metal panels provide light filtration and privacy, reducing heat gain. Extensive use of glass allows for natural illumination and fluid transitions between interior spaces and the exterior environment. Reinforced concrete serves as the framework for durability, complemented by vegetation selected for its suitability to the UAE climate, which offers natural shading and cooling. The integration of these materials supports broader sustainability goals, aligning with the design's commitment to climate-responsive living.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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