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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Limestone Integrate Sustainability in Modern Residential Design

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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Limestone Integrate Sustainability in Modern Residential Design
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and locally sourced limestone, the design achieves a balance of modern aesthetics and environmental sustainability, creating an inviting and functional family residence in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while adding texture to the facade.
02
Locally sourced limestone contributes to thermal efficiency and reduces environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space utilization and creates dynamic interior volumes.
04
Integrated smart home technology enhances energy management and security.
05
Garden spaces promote biodiversity and outdoor family engagement.

## Project Overview

This residential development is situated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritizes sustainable urban development. The intent is to create a model Emirati house that integrates modern architectural practices with traditional cultural values. The design focuses on enhancing residents' quality of life, emphasizing sustainability, privacy, thermal comfort, and spatial efficiency.

## Spatial Organization and Layout

The design features a strategic L-shaped layout that delineates different zones within the residential space. The ground floor comprises public and semi-public areas, including a garage, living spaces, and a private garden, promoting communal interaction while maintaining privacy. The first floor consists of dedicated private family quarters, effectively separating personal and communal activities.

### Architectural Elements and Materiality

Key architectural features include a façade equipped with advanced shading systems that optimize natural ventilation and minimize solar heat gain. The roof structure is designed for solar energy collection, supporting the sustainability objectives. The material selection is carefully curated, utilizing local limestone for thermal efficiency, recycled waste stone, and low-VOC finishes to ensure indoor air quality. Large glass panels enhance natural light, contributing to an open and airy environment.

## Environmental Strategies

The design incorporates several sustainable practices in line with the goals of the Dubai 2040 plan. Efficient waste management systems are implemented for effective waste separation, while water conservation measures are integrated to reduce consumption and manage runoff. Additionally, solar panels on the roof provide renewable energy, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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