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Charred Wooden Screens and Insulated Panels Defining Modern Emirati Living
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Combining charred wooden screens with insulated steel panels, the design integrates sustainable construction methods and cultural elements to create a multifunctional family residence in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles create a distinctive façade while improving weather resistance.
02
Insulated steel panels enhance energy efficiency and thermal performance.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the home.
04
Landscaped courtyards incorporate spaces for vegetable gardening, promoting sustainability.
05
Flexible interior layouts allow for easy adaptation to changing family needs.

### Project Overview

"Elevating the Emirati Experience" is a residential design situated on a linear site measuring 30m x 15m, intended to harmonize contemporary living with traditional Emirati values. The design aims to accommodate the multifaceted needs of Emirati families by establishing spaces for gathering, culinary activities, prayer, and social interaction. The concept draws inspiration from the rhythms of daily life, suggesting that the home functions not merely as shelter, but as a vibrant context for daily interaction and engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Allocation

The layout features a vertical split in massing, creating a dynamic interplay between communal and private areas across multiple levels. The organization of spaces includes:

- **Level 0 & -1**: Dedicated to car parking and an entrance foyer, along with a Majlis, kitchen, and service areas, it emphasizes functional accessibility. Private outdoor spaces, including a vegetable garden, enhance both utility and leisure.

- **Level 1**: Comprising living rooms, reading nooks, and terraces, this level facilitates relaxation and interaction, with design elements that promote connectivity to the outdoors through landscaped courtyards.

- **Level 2**: Focused on family privacy, this level features bedrooms with ancillary spaces designed for guest accommodation or study, reflecting adaptability to varying family needs.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The architectural intent incorporates sustainable practices through careful material selection and environmental design strategies. Key materials include:

- **Steel Insulated Panels**: Promote recyclability and thermal performance while minimizing construction waste.
- **Textile Partitions**: Made from durable, UV-stabilized polyethylene, these elements allow for flexible spatial arrangements, enhancing natural light and sound absorption.
- **Screens**: Metal screens serve to reduce solar heat gain and manage privacy in semi-open areas.
- **Concrete and Natural Stone**: Used as external facades, these materials connect the structure with the rich heritage of Emirati architecture.
- **Natural Wood Elements**: Introduce warmth and a connection to nature, enhancing the overall aesthetic quality.

Complementing the material choices, the design features green pockets that promote biodiversity and cultivate vegetation while employing passive cooling strategies. Shaded courtyards and the building's orientation optimize energy efficiency, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility.

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The Next House: USA
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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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