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Compressed Earth Blocks and Natural Timber Forming Sustainable Community Spaces in Arid Climates

Compressed Earth Blocks and Natural Timber Forming Sustainable Community Spaces in Arid Climates
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Utilizing compressed earth blocks and natural timber, the design creates a sustainable communal space that harmonizes with the desert environment while fostering social connections among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced compressed earth blocks to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a central Grand Majlis designed for flexible communal activities.
03
Incorporates passive ventilation strategies tailored for desert climates.
04
Integrates native flora into the landscaping for ecological support.
05
Employs a modular design that allows for reconfiguration based on community needs.

### Project Overview

ToGatherShip is situated in a desert landscape and is designed to foster community engagement through innovative spatial configurations and sustainable material usage. The concept is to create a versatile living environment that emphasizes the relationship between people and nature, incorporating traditional values alongside modern design principles. A notable feature is the Grand Majlis, a central gathering space that reflects cultural heritage and facilitates social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The project’s layout centers around a communal area conducive to social activities, enhancing the experience of hospitality. The structure layers both horizontally and vertically to accommodate diverse interactions while honoring traditional gathering practices. Breezeways and strategic openings, including clerestory windows, support natural ventilation and thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. This design promotes an adaptable and dynamic space that can easily adjust to varying uses while minimizing construction waste.

### Material Use and Environmental Considerations

The primary building material consists of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), selected for their local availability and energy-efficient properties. Complementary natural timber accents and glass panels create a warm aesthetic while ensuring adequate natural light and connection to the surrounding environment. This emphasis on locally sourced materials not only helps reduce the ecological footprint but also reinforces the project’s integration with the local ecosystem. Landscaping with native flora further enhances ecological harmony and supports local biodiversity, aligning with the overarching sustainability goals of the design.

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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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