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Charred Wood Accents Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Villa

Charred Wood Accents Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Villa
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Incorporating charred wood details and energy-efficient systems, the villa exemplifies sustainable living while fostering family connections in a modern Emirati context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management Features charred wood shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and insulation Includes extensive outdoor living spaces to promote family engagement Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and airflow.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Zayed Family Villa embodies a modern interpretation of Emirati living while aligning with cultural traditions and environmental considerations. The design is intended to cater to a family-oriented lifestyle, with particular emphasis on fostering close family relationships and supporting both intimate and larger social gatherings. This thoughtful integration of functionality, spatial organization, and sustainability underscores the villa’s role as a central hub for familial and community life.

### Spatial Strategy
The villa features a deliberate massing strategy that facilitates both horizontal and vertical expansion, accommodating diverse activities. Addressing local climatic conditions, the design optimizes orientation for natural light and airflow, enhancing energy efficiency and overall comfort. The zoning of the interior thoughtfully delineates spaces for private family activities, communal interactions, and service functions. The design includes designated private quarters, a communal family area, and outdoor spaces for relaxation, all while ensuring smooth circulation throughout the various zones. Outdoor areas are harmoniously incorporated with indoor spaces, reflecting the traditional Emirati lifestyle that often blurs these boundaries.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Selected materials contribute to the villa's character while respecting its cultural context. Key architectural elements include masonry for structural integrity, natural stone for durability, and wooden finishes that evoke a sense of warmth and tradition. Expanses of glass facilitate transparency and draw in views of the surrounding landscape, while neutral paint tones and accented colors capture local motifs. To promote sustainability, various shading techniques, such as balconies and vertical screens, have been integrated. These features enhance natural cooling, thus reducing reliance on mechanical climate control. Rainwater collection and recycling systems further demonstrate the commitment to environmental performance, making the villa not only a home but also a model for responsible resource use.

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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

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

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