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Charred Wooden Shingles and Coral Stone Form a Sustainable Family Residence in a Dynamic Urban Context

Charred Wooden Shingles and Coral Stone Form a Sustainable Family Residence in a Dynamic Urban Context
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and coral stone, the residence offers a seamless blend of local materials and sustainable practices, designed to accommodate the evolving needs of a modern family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer efficient insulation and construction speed.
03
A central courtyard fosters natural ventilation and community interaction.
04
Innovative windcatchers enhance passive cooling throughout the home.
05
The modular design allows for future expansion as family needs change.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the design responds to the city's socio-cultural landscape by integrating sustainability with traditional values and contemporary living. The structure employs modular and prefabricated elements, allowing for versatility and adaptability to the changing needs of its inhabitants. The architectural approach reflects a shift toward individualized living arrangements while preserving communal spaces essential for social interaction.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The spatial layout promotes both interaction and privacy, facilitated by two vertical towers that connect various areas, including kitchen, dining, bedrooms, and living spaces. This design fosters connectivity while defining distinct zones for different activities. A central courtyard enhances community interaction while providing a sanctuary from the external environment. The design also includes a Majlis, an essential area for social gatherings, reinforcing the cultural significance of communal spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Incorporating a range of materials, the structure utilizes Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for walls and roofs, providing efficient thermal insulation. Engineered lumber (LVL) offers structural integrity, while coral stone reflects a connection to the local environment. Concrete ensures durability, and natural wood adds warmth to interior spaces. Sustainability features are prominent in passive cooling strategies, such as windcatchers for natural ventilation, and the integration of solar panels and water harvesting systems, enhancing energy efficiency and resource conservation.

The modular design allows for future flexibility, accommodating changes in family size without major reconstruction. This forward-thinking approach addresses both the challenges of rapid urbanization and the need for a harmonious relationship with Dubai's evolving skyline.

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

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.

The Next House: USA

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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