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Charred Wood Elements and Natural Stone Define a Sustainable Emirati Family Residence

Charred Wood Elements and Natural Stone Define a Sustainable Emirati Family Residence
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Incorporating charred wood surfaces and natural stone, the residence emphasizes sustainable materials and open living spaces designed to accommodate the evolving needs of Emirati families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a solar chimney for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic sustainability.
03
Features an open floor plan adaptable for varying family sizes.
04
Integrates indigenous plants in landscaping to promote local biodiversity.
05
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental impact.

### Project Overview

The "House of the Future" is situated in the United Arab Emirates, designed to meet the contemporary needs of Emirati citizens while honoring traditional architectural concepts. The project aims to create a residential environment that reflects cultural heritage and incorporates modern sustainability practices. It emphasizes the integration of domestic spaces within urban contexts, balancing the need for privacy with social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Adaptability

The spatial layout employs an open floor plan that promotes fluid movement among living, dining, and functional spaces, including a kitchen and majlis, a traditional gathering area. This configuration facilitates social interaction while ensuring privacy in sleeping quarters. The design incorporates flexible options to accommodate families of various sizes, supporting configurations of up to six bedrooms to cater to evolving domestic requirements.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choices reflect a synthesis of contemporary and traditional aesthetics. Textured concrete provides structural integrity, while large glass windows enhance transparency and natural light penetration. The use of natural stones connects the structure with the local landscape, aligning with regional aesthetics. Furthermore, features such as solar chimneys improve natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and reinforcing the project’s commitment to energy efficiency. Surrounding landscaping utilizes indigenous plants, contributing to ecological diversity and promoting habitat restoration.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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