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Charred Wooden Textures and Panoramic Glass Facades in Modern Emirati Living

Charred Wooden Textures and Panoramic Glass Facades in Modern Emirati Living
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Emphasizing charred wooden finishes and expansive glass facades, the residence integrates cultural aesthetics with modern functionality, creating a harmonious living environment for families in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create structural integrity with reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and light distribution.
04
An outdoor Majlis seamlessly integrates social spaces with the landscape.
05
Solar panels contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in design.

## Project Overview
Located in the heart of the UAE, the architectural design focuses on providing a refined living experience for Emirati citizens by integrating luxury with practicality. With a budget of 1 million dirhams, the project seeks to honor Emirati culture while incorporating modern design principles, characterized by minimalism and efficient use of space. The intent is to create a residence that reflects cultural values while fulfilling contemporary lifestyle demands.

## Spatial Configuration and Cultural Integration
The design emphasizes intelligent space utilization, accommodating areas such as an outdoor Majlis, breakfast zone, and BBQ area to encourage social interaction and reflect traditional hospitality customs. The architectural layout strategically promotes connectivity between private and communal spaces, ensuring a fluid transition throughout the residence. Integrating outdoor elements like pools and landscaped gardens enhances livability, addressing the climatic conditions while aligning with local lifestyle norms.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The construction employs a diverse palette of materials to balance durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete provides structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth through external screens and interior finishes. Expansive glass elements enhance natural lighting and visual access to outdoor environments. Additionally, decorative brickwork connects traditional Emirati heritage with contemporary design, and stone is utilized in landscaping to harmonize with the natural surroundings. The inclusion of solar panels underscores a commitment to energy efficiency, aligning with sustainable practices for modern living.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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