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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Sustainable Residential Haven

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Sustainable Residential Haven
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the residence embodies sustainable design principles while providing a functional living space tailored to the unique climate of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to boost structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that aids in natural ventilation and light distribution.
04
Utilizes an atmospheric water generator to support water harvesting in arid conditions.
05
Integrates traditional *Mashrabiya* screens for cultural resonance while optimizing shading.

## Overview

The "House of the Future," situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, presents a comprehensive approach to sustainable living within the region's specific environmental and cultural context. The project emphasizes sustainability and adaptability, utilizing modern materials and traditional architectural forms to foster eco-conscious living. Advanced building technologies have been employed to harmonize environmental efficiency with aesthetic values, catering to anticipated future occupancy demands.

## Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The organization of the space is deliberately designed to accommodate various functional zones. The basement level houses automated parking and utility spaces, optimizing functionality and convenience. The ground level features a flexible layout that combines living, dining, and communal areas, enhanced by outdoor courtyards that facilitate natural cooling and promote social interaction. Upper levels are dedicated to private sleeping quarters, reinforcing the adaptability of the design. A spatial arrangement based on the Hilbert Curve maximizes space utilization while maintaining aesthetic integrity, allowing for straightforward future expansions.

## Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design philosophy, focusing on sustainability and the use of locally sourced resources. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is the primary structural material, known for its strength and energy efficiency. The inclusion of locally sourced materials, such as timber and stone, deepens the building's connection to its environment while minimizing transportation-related carbon emissions.

The design integrates innovative systems such as Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) for effective water harvesting and solar panels to support renewable energy needs. Furthermore, the environmental strategies feature a radiant cooling system that enhances indoor comfort with minimal energy consumption, alongside windcatchers that utilize natural ventilation to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. The biomimetic design of the *Mashrabiya* façade further connects the structure to local ecological patterns, enhancing shade and cooling through adaptive features.

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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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