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Chipped Panels and Natural Textiles in a Flexible Desert Retreat

Chipped Panels and Natural Textiles in a Flexible Desert Retreat
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Chipped panels of wood and patterned textiles define a versatile retreat in the desert, designed for community engagement and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Chipped panels enhance the building’s thermal performance while complementing the desert landscape.
02
Natural textiles with floral motifs create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural ventilation and light entry.
04
Locally sourced materials reduce the carbon footprint and support regional economy.
05
Flexible spatial arrangements allow for diverse communal activities and personal retreats.

## Overview
Located in the Arabian desert, KHAIMA is a contemporary architectural project designed to reflect the region's cultural traditions while addressing modern residential and communal needs. Inspired by traditional tent structures, the design integrates adaptability and sustainability as core principles. It aims to serve as a refuge within an unpredictable landscape, fostering social interactions and economic opportunities in its community.

## Material Selection
The material palette for KHAIMA showcases a commitment to both ecological sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include wood for its warmth and connection to nature, chipped panels that echo the desert landscape while offering innovative functional design, and fabric coverings that introduce floral motifs, enhancing the transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light penetration, promoting transparency and visual continuity between occupants and their surroundings. These materials collectively establish a bridge between the built environment and the natural landscape.

## Spatial Configuration
KHAIMA's spatial organization features flexible areas designed for multiple functions, accommodating social gatherings, quiet retreats, or collaborative activities. This layout promotes fluid movement between public and private spaces, encouraging communal engagement. The strategic orientation and large window openings frame panoramic views of the desert, enhancing occupant interaction with the landscape while maximizing natural ventilation and daylight access. The architectural design demonstrates innovative solutions that harmonize luxury with functionality, utilizing intricate ceiling details, illuminated wall applications, and a variety of flooring materials to create a cohesive interior environment.

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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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