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Charred Wooden Screens and Passive Cooling Strategies in Desert Residences

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Charred Wooden Screens and Passive Cooling Strategies in Desert Residences
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Charred wooden screens and thermal mass construction combine to create a sustainable living environment that enhances ventilation and privacy while addressing the demands of desert climate conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wood cladding enhances durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural stability and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Integrated passive cooling systems optimize indoor temperatures without relying on mechanical cooling.
04
Moucharabieh elements promote natural ventilation and privacy while reducing sun exposure.
05
The bent A-frame design facilitates efficient water runoff and maximizes ceiling height.

### Overview
Located in a desert region with extreme heat, Al Moucharabieh addresses climatic challenges while reflecting cultural heritage and modern residential demands. The design integrates traditional elements, particularly the moucharabieh, within a contemporary framework aimed at enhancing livability and environmental responsiveness. Two variations in architectural schematics, Option 01 and Option 02, feature distinct facade treatments and structural compositions that cater to diverse aesthetic and functional preferences.

### Climatic Responsiveness
The design prioritizes effective thermal management strategies to combat intense solar exposure and maintain comfort within the living spaces. Key features include extensive overhangs that minimize direct sunlight during peak hours, as well as the use of moucharabieh on the facades to regulate light and airflow, which further reduces the dependency on mechanical cooling systems. These strategies align with sustainable design principles, promoting energy efficiency and user comfort.

### Material Utilization
The material selection across the project is varied and intentional, contributing both to the structural integrity and aesthetic expression. Concrete serves as the primary structural medium, while expansive glass elements bring in natural light, enhancing the interior environment. Wood is strategically used in the moucharabieh, providing warmth and contrast against the concrete and glass. Additionally, exposed steel elements offer support for vegetation and the structural framework, integrating functionality with modern design. Exterior finishes, including light grey paint for heat reflection and dark grey stamped concrete for visual depth, reinforce the project’s cohesive material palette.

The spatial organization emphasizes utility and comfort, with open living areas on the ground floor promoting connectivity with outdoor spaces, while private spaces on the first floor are designed to capture scenic views. Overall, Al Moucharabieh showcases a balanced integration of cultural relevance and contemporary innovation, positioning it as a representative model for future desert architecture.

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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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