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Compressed Earth Blocks and Integrated Solar Solutions for Desert Living

Compressed Earth Blocks and Integrated Solar Solutions for Desert Living
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Utilizing compressed earth blocks and innovative solar integration, the design fosters sustainable living within a desert environment, creating a harmonious residence that optimizes natural resources and promotes energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes compressed earth blocks for structural efficiency and climate resilience.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance natural ventilation and light distribution.
03
Features extensive green roofing to support local biodiversity and manage heat.
04
Integrates solar panels into the design for energy independence and sustainability.
05
Adopts flexible space planning to accommodate evolving family needs over time.

## Overview

Located in a desert environment, the project integrates contemporary architectural practices with traditional sensibilities, aiming to create a sustainable living space that respects and revitalizes the local landscape. The design emphasizes a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance, drawing from both modern architectural forms and local vernacular traditions.

## Spatial Strategy

The site planning adheres to the natural contours of the desert topography, minimizing environmental disruption. Elevated on piloti, the structure enhances natural ventilation and provides shaded outdoor areas. The overall layout centers around a courtyard that fosters interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, with communal areas such as the kitchen and living spaces strategically positioned for optimal flow. Enclosed private areas on the second level ensure privacy while maintaining connectivity to common spaces, reinforcing a sense of community within the household.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The building's material palette is carefully chosen to meet both structural needs and sustainability goals. Compressed earth blocks serve as the primary structural element, providing thermal mass and durability while lowering the carbon footprint. Extensive use of glass panels facilitates natural light, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. Additional materials include engineered wood for interior warmth, reinforced concrete for structural integrity, and steel for expansive open spaces.

Sustainability is further prioritized through the incorporation of solar panels and green roofs, supporting renewable energy usage and improving insulation. Prefabricated components such as kitchens and bathrooms streamline construction, ensuring precision and efficiency. Features like natural ventilation systems and vertical gardens contribute to energy conservation and local biodiversity, reflecting the project’s commitment to environmentally responsible design.

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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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