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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cavity Walls Shape a Sustainable Multi-Generational Home
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and featuring efficient cavity wall systems, this multi-generational home prioritizes sustainability while creating a functional living space for family unity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and sustainability.
02
Incorporates cavity wall systems for improved energy efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Integrates extensive natural ventilation to promote indoor air quality and comfort.
05
Includes a dedicated majlis area that honors traditional gathering spaces for family interaction.

## Project Overview

Manzil Mareeh, meaning "House of Comfort," is located in the United Arab Emirates and addresses the requirements of a multi-generational family while integrating traditional villa aesthetics with contemporary design. This residential project aims to respect cultural heritage while incorporating sustainable architectural elements, thereby reflecting the evolution of UAE villas from the Pre-Oil era to modern times.

### Spatial and Functional Strategy

The design is organized with a focus on multi-generational living, fostering interaction among grandparents, parents, and children. Zoning strategies clearly separate private areas—such as bedrooms—from communal spaces like the family living room and kitchen, promoting both privacy and connectivity. Outdoor features, including gardens and swimming pools, enhance the livability of the residence. Floor plans are thoughtfully delineated: the ground floor includes essential gathering spaces, while the first floor prioritizes sleeping quarters, emphasizing both comfort and interaction among family members.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choices reflect the project's design intent and sustainability goals. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, complemented by steel for reinforcement and aesthetic detailing. The extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and connectivity with the outdoors. Local stone and modern composite materials are used for exterior finishes, marrying tradition with a contemporary edge. Sustainable technologies, including solar panels and automated shading systems, optimize energy efficiency, reinforcing the design's commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing user comfort. Additionally, the design allows for flexibility and future modifications to accommodate evolving family needs, ensuring long-term functionality.

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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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