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Charred Wood Shingles and Thermal Insulation in a Family-Focused Residence

Charred Wood Shingles and Thermal Insulation in a Family-Focused Residence
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Incorporating charred wood shingles and advanced thermal insulation, this residence offers a culturally attuned solution for family living in Dubai's challenging climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to address local water scarcity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with operable facades to maximize natural ventilation and minimize cooling costs.
05
Includes a traditional maḥjil to foster community and family interactions.

**Overview**
Bayt Al-Zephyr, located in Dubai, exemplifies an architectural approach that integrates sustainability with the region's cultural and historical contexts. The design focuses on addressing the challenges posed by the arid climate of the Emirates, while simultaneously respecting traditional Emirati values. This project aims to create an environment that balances modern living with eco-friendly practices, reflecting the community's heritage and aspirations.

**Spatial and Community Integration**
The layout of Bayt Al-Zephyr is characterized by a courtyard-style arrangement that fosters social interaction while ensuring privacy, a key aspect of Emirati life. The inclusion of a maḥjil, a traditional reception area, emphasizes the importance of community gatherings and cultural traditions. The design prioritizes multi-generational living, featuring private suites alongside communal spaces, which align with familial structures prevalent in local culture.

**Material Selection and Climate Responsiveness**
The materiality of Bayt Al-Zephyr has been carefully curated to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Reinforced concrete provides stability, while thermal insulation panels enhance energy efficiency. Glass facades are designed to maximize natural light and manage heat influx, complemented by wooden accents that connect with traditional craftsmanship. Climate-adaptive features, such as operable facades and sun-controlling louvers, facilitate natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system underscores the project's commitment to sustainability in a water-scarce environment.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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