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Ceramic Lattice and Compacted Soil Create Sustained Harmony in Desert Living

Ceramic Lattice and Compacted Soil Create Sustained Harmony in Desert Living
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Incorporating ceramic latticework and compacted soil, the design seamlessly integrates with its desert environment while providing a multifaceted residential space that prioritizes sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates ceramic latticework for sun shading and natural light control.
02
Utilizes compacted soil as a primary construction and insulation material.
03
Features stacked volume design to minimize land disturbance and enhance cooling.
04
Includes private terraces for each bedroom, integrating personal green spaces.
05
Integrates water features to promote ecological balance and microclimate enhancement.

## Overview
Located in the Dubai desert, the Harmony of Heights project emphasizes a structural relationship with its unique environment. It aims to merge architecture with the stark landscape while prioritizing sustainability. The design intends to create a living space that acknowledges the desert’s distinct characteristics, offering a forward-thinking approach to modern living.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The architectural layout is organized into three distinct levels, each designed for specific functional purposes. The ground floor includes parking and utility spaces, along with spacious living and dining areas that benefit from high ceilings and ample natural light. The first floor houses private quarters featuring three bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and terraces that serve as personal gardens. The second floor is dedicated to a master suite, providing elevated views and a sense of privacy. This arrangement promotes both communal interaction and individual retreat through a thoughtful integration of social and private spaces.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a curated selection of materials to ensure ecological integrity and energy efficiency. Compacted soil serves as the primary structural and insulating material, enhancing thermal regulation. Sand acts as a natural insulator, while ceramic latticework on the façade filters sunlight into the interior spaces. Extensive use of glass creates a connection between indoor and outdoor environments, and reinforced concrete provides structural stability without compromising aesthetics. The careful choice of local materials minimizes transportation-related emissions and incorporates elements of the surrounding landscape into the design, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

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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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