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Cascading Water Features and Lattice Facades in a Sustainable Family Villa

Cascading Water Features and Lattice Facades in a Sustainable Family Villa
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Constructed with a lattice facade and enhanced by cascading water features, the villa integrates natural stone and expansive spaces to create a sustainable family residence that reflects local cultural identity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modern lattice facade that offers passive cooling and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cascading water features that enhance tranquility and connect to Emirati culture.
03
Rooftop gardens promote biodiversity and provide green spaces for residents.
04
Natural stone exterior creates a lasting bond with the surrounding landscape.
05
Strategically designed spaces ensure ample natural light and airflow throughout the villa.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, this architectural design embodies the interplay of tradition and modernity. The project aims to reflect the nation’s heritage while integrating sustainable practices for future developments. It draws upon cultural narratives and symbols inherent to Emirati identity, leading to a thoughtful composition that balances aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout is intricately organized across multiple levels, each designated for specific activities while promoting interconnectivity. The ground floor facilitates communal living, featuring a family hall and kitchen that open to landscaped areas, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience through expansive glazing. Privacy is achieved with elegantly designed shading devices. The first floor accommodates personal bedrooms with balcony access to gardens, fostering a tranquil environment in close relation to nature. The penthouse serves as an intimate retreat with private outdoor space, maximizing views and enhancing the overall living experience.

### Material Selection
A meticulous approach to materiality underscores the project’s design philosophy. The structural core is composed of robust concrete, establishing a solid foundation. Extensive use of glass enhances transparency, creating a dialogue with the surroundings. Aluminum provides durability and modern detailing, while natural stone offers a timeless aesthetic for exterior surfaces. Wood elements, particularly in shading, add warmth, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. These choices collectively reflect a fusion of contemporary design with traditional Emirati characteristics, reinforcing both visual identity and cultural resonance.

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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

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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

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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