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Coral Stone Facade and Reclaimed Wood Embrace in a Family Residence with Courtyard Integration

Coral Stone Facade and Reclaimed Wood Embrace in a Family Residence with Courtyard Integration
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A facade of locally sourced coral stone harmonizes with reclaimed wood elements and an integrated courtyard, creating a contemporary family residence that respects cultural traditions while optimizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced coral stone for durability and thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates reclaimed wood to enhance sustainability and reduce waste.
03
Features a traditional Majlis to promote cultural interaction within the home.
04
Designed with extensive cross ventilation to improve indoor air quality.
05
Integrates a central courtyard to enhance natural light and create outdoor living space.

### Project Overview
"Subtle Juxtapositions" is situated in Dubai, a city known for its blend of modernity and traditional design principles. The project seeks to explore the interaction between innovative architectural strategies and cultural heritage, reflecting the unique architectural landscape of the region. The intent is to create a living environment that balances contemporary comfort with a respect for local traditions.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration
The ground floor plan emphasizes a thoughtful layout, with family living spaces arranged around a private courtyard. This configuration enhances connectivity and natural light through expansive windows, promoting ventilation and a sense of openness conducive to family interactions. The inclusion of a Majlis honors local customs, providing a modern interpretation of communal living while ensuring privacy through the strategic placement of service areas and parking. On the first floor, the design achieves a harmonious balance between intimate and public areas, employing a visual hierarchy that promotes fluid movement and incorporates traditional elements like arched openings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the project’s character. Local coral stone establishes a connection to the environment, while eco-friendly glass enhances energy efficiency and illuminates the interior spaces. The use of reclaimed Chandan wood contributes warmth and supports the sustainability ethos. Additionally, sustainable concrete is selected for its durability and minimal ecological footprint. Elements such as frosted glass featuring integrated greenery further blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a dialogue between the built environment and nature. This material strategy not only addresses aesthetic and functional requirements but also reflects a commitment to ecological sustainability fundamental to contemporary architectural practice.

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

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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