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Charred Wooden Shingles and Terrazzo Floors Create a Harmonious Family Home in Dubai

Charred Wooden Shingles and Terrazzo Floors Create a Harmonious Family Home in Dubai
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and sustainable clay finishes, this family residence in Dubai balances modern aesthetics with cultural heritage, creating a functional space for daily living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes a central courtyard that promotes outdoor connectivity and privacy.
05
Employs natural clay finishes that provide thermal regulation in the hot climate.

### Project Overview
The Dubai House of the Future, located in Dubai, UAE, exemplifies a contemporary residential design that balances modern needs with traditional values. This two-story family residence prioritizes themes such as privacy, community, and the integration of indoor and outdoor environments, reflecting the evolving nature of urban living. The design creates family-oriented spaces while honoring the rich cultural heritage of the region.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functionality
The layout of the residence is organized to foster interaction and connection among family members while also providing private quarters. The ground floor comprises a spacious living area, kitchen, and dining spaces that flow naturally into the garden, encouraging social interaction and visual continuity with the outdoor environment. The first floor includes several bedrooms, designed to offer individual privacy while maintaining a link to family-centric areas. Open spaces such as courtyards and shaded terraces serve multiple functions, including relaxation and social gatherings, thereby enhancing the overall living experience.

### Material and Sustainability Considerations
The project employs a thoughtfully selected material palette that reflects local heritage and supports sustainability. Traditional clay finishes provide essential thermal regulation in the hot climate, while wood elements contribute warmth and comfort. Large glass panels facilitate natural light penetration and establish a visual connection with the exterior, enhancing the sense of openness. Terrazzo flooring not only adds a luxurious aesthetic but also aligns with regional architectural traditions. The incorporation of passive design strategies, such as shading pergolas, minimizes heat and glare, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency and ecological responsibility. The adaptable design accommodates potential future expansion, ensuring long-term functionality for residents while balancing personal privacy with community engagement.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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