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Charred Wood Accents and Climate-Responsive Design in Contemporary Family Living

Charred Wood Accents and Climate-Responsive Design in Contemporary Family Living
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Employing charred wood accents and structural insulated panels, the design merges contemporary aesthetics with environmental sensitivity to create a family dwelling that enhances both communal living and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wood shingles that enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Incorporates structural insulated panels for improved energy efficiency and reduced construction time.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for effective rainwater management and natural ventilation.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials to reinforce sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
05
Creates interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces that foster a sense of community and interaction.

## Project Overview

**Project Name:** ÜNÜMÜN House
**Location:** United Arab Emirates
The ÜNÜMÜN House reflects a modern residential architectural approach, underscored by a commitment to hospitality, comfort, and cultural sensitivity. The design philosophy is informed by the cultural significance of hospitality in the region, with the term "ÜNÜMÜN" capturing the essence of graciousness in welcoming guests. The layout is carefully orchestrated to balance private family spaces with areas for community gathering, integrating functional design with cultural values.

## Structural Design Elements

### Form and Massing

The architecture presents a modern aesthetic defined by clean lines and a deliberate massing strategy, composed of two principal volumes. The upper volume extends outward, creating shaded areas and an engaging facade while allowing for improved natural light penetration and ventilation. This vertical distinction enhances both visual interest and environmental performance.

### Spatial Arrangement

The ground floor incorporates communal spaces designed for interaction, including reception, dining, and living areas, all featuring expansive glass doors that transition seamlessly to outdoor environments. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to private family quarters, ensuring a retreat-like atmosphere through spatial separation from communal areas. This arrangement fosters a balanced lifestyle that accommodates both social interaction and personal privacy.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The material palette includes concrete, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), ceramic tiles, wood, drywall, and metal components, each selected for durability, thermal efficiency, and aesthetic warmth. The design responds to the UAE's climatic conditions, leveraging SIP panels for enhanced insulation and integrating passive solar principles that reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The plant selection in the landscaped areas features native species, reinforcing environmental sustainability and enhancing the sensory experience for residents and visitors.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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