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Coral Stone Canopy with Natural Insulation and Communal Living Spaces

Coral Stone Canopy with Natural Insulation and Communal Living Spaces
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Constructed with locally sourced coral stone and integrated natural insulation, the design creates flexible communal living spaces that honor regional heritage while promoting sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced coral stone, the project highlights traditional building techniques.
02
Natural insulation materials enhance energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
03
The flexible layout allows communal and private spaces to adapt to changing family needs.
04
Integrated green roofs support biodiversity and provide outdoor living areas.
05
Design elements incorporate natural ventilation to optimize indoor climate and comfort.

## Project Overview

The Coral Tent is situated at the intersection of historical and modern contexts along Dubai Creek, aimed at bridging the cultural heritage of the UAE with principles of sustainable living. The design draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin tent structures, offering a modern interpretation that enhances both community and individual well-being while remaining sensitive to the surrounding environment.

## Design and Materiality

### Spatial Configuration
The house comprises a series of interconnected circular units that facilitate a communal living experience while ensuring privacy. This spatial arrangement promotes natural ventilation and encourages social interaction, with dedicated areas for intimate gatherings and family activities. The design includes four bedrooms, an open living room linked to the garden, and a kitchen seamlessly integrated with dining areas, allowing for efficient movement and engagement among inhabitants.

### Material Selection
The use of local materials is central to the project’s ethos, with coral stone as a primary building material that reflects traditional construction practices. Structural steel contributes to flexibility and stability, while mud earth integrates thermal mass principles into the foundation. The flooring and walls utilize a cement mix combined with natural aggregates, and natural insulation materials such as expanded clay enhance energy efficiency. Additional features include a 100% recycled steel roofing system and incorporated vegetation that improves air quality and aesthetics. The design underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability through the careful selection and application of materials.

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The Next House: USA
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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.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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