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Charred Wooden Shingles and Traditional Screens Formulating a Contemporary Family Home

Charred Wooden Shingles and Traditional Screens Formulating a Contemporary Family Home
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and traditional wooden screens, the design enhances thermal efficiency while fostering family connection in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates traditional wooden screens for climate control and privacy.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and light.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
05
Design supports family-oriented spaces with flexible layouts for communal living.

## Overview
The Emirati House is situated in the United Arab Emirates, where it seeks to engage with the region's cultural identity while addressing contemporary living needs. This residential design integrates both modern features and traditional elements to foster a deeper connection between inhabitants and their environment. The layout encourages interaction among family members, aligning with cultural values while providing a comfortable living space that is adaptable to the local climate.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout features an open-plan ground floor arranged around a central courtyard, which optimizes natural light and ventilation. Key areas, including the living room, dining area, and kitchen, are interconnected to facilitate gatherings and communal activities. The upper floor prioritizes privacy, containing individual bedroom suites and family rooms designed for a more intimate atmosphere. Balconies adorned with greenery enhance the living experience, creating shaded outdoor spaces that contribute to the overall comfort of the home.

### Material Selection
Materiality in the Emirati House emphasizes sustainability and regional relevance. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing enhanced durability and thermal mass. Stone cladding offers both aesthetic appeal and a connection to local traditions. Decorative wooden screens encourage airflow while providing privacy, and large glass windows maximize natural light and blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Landscape design incorporates native vegetation, reinforcing ecological responsibility and enhancing outdoor environments.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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