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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sandstone Facades Define a Sustainable Multigenerational Home

Charred Wooden Shingles and Sandstone Facades Define a Sustainable Multigenerational Home
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With its charred wooden shingles and sandstone cladding that reflect local heritage, the design creates adaptable, multigenerational living spaces geared towards sustainable family dynamics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure quick assembly and structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design enables effective rainwater drainage and passive cooling.
04
Internal courtyards foster natural ventilation and light optimization throughout the home.
05
Adaptive room configurations support evolving family needs over time.

### Overview
The Dubai House of the Future, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is situated within a densely populated suburban neighborhood in Dubai. This residential project aims to embody a synthesis of advanced architectural design and sustainable practices while reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Emirate. The design challenges traditional residential concepts by incorporating adaptable living spaces and innovative technologies that address the contemporary needs of its inhabitants.

### Adaptive Spatial Solutions
Central to the design is an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, allowing for the dynamic reconfiguration of living spaces to accommodate various family structures and needs. The layout permits expansions or modifications without substantial structural alterations, enhancing the functionality of the home for multigenerational living. Shared spaces foster interaction among family members while offering private areas that respect individual needs. The design integrates passive cooling techniques through a subterranean water system connected to a ventilation chimney, which minimally impacts energy consumption while improving indoor air quality.

### Material Selection and Integration
The choice of materials plays a significant role in the project's architectural expression. Reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, while extensive use of glass invites natural light and openness into the home. Timber vertical slats provide both shade and ventilation, nodding to traditional Emirati design motifs. Sandstone cladding links the structure to its arid environment and enhances thermal efficiency. Solar panels are integral to the energy systems, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, internal courtyards and landscaped areas establish a connection with nature, promoting ecological health while enhancing the overall aesthetic experience of the residence.

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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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

`
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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