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Corten Steel and Adobe Shelters Emphasize Water Management in Desert Living

Author:
Luiz Felipe Silveira
Corten Steel and Adobe Shelters Emphasize Water Management in Desert Living
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Corten steel and adobe walls converge in a design that emphasizes water management and wildlife observation in a desert setting, creating a sustainable space for communal living and environmental interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel provides durability and weather resistance while blending with the desert landscape.
02
Adobe walls ensure thermal regulation and a low carbon footprint for sustainable living.
03
The roof's slope optimizes rainwater collection for a filtering reservoir, enhancing water management.
04
Wide openings promote natural light and ventilation, fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Integrated filtering gardens utilize native plants for effective wastewater treatment.

The design is set against a backdrop of harsh desert terrain, emphasizing the need for a structure that blends with its environment while serving both residential and communal functions. The project aims to create a space where inhabitants can live in harmony with the surrounding landscape. It draws inspiration from the shapes and forms of the desert, reflecting the natural beauty and unique character of the location.

Conceptual Form

The structure’s design features a wavy profile at the top, reminiscent of the dunes shaped by the wind. Below, a straight line serves as a grounding element, providing stability and visual interest. This combination fosters a balance between natural and man-made forms, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration. Openings in the walls allow natural light to enter, enhancing the interior spaces and connecting them to the outdoors.

Water Management

In response to the challenges of the desert environment, the building includes an innovative water management system. The sloped roof directs rainwater into a channel that leads to a filtering reservoir, allowing for effective reuse of limited water resources. This thoughtful approach reduces reliance on external supplies and addresses the arid climate. Additionally, filtering gardens use local plants to treat wastewater, further promoting sustainability within the design.

Materiality and Climate Response

Materials play an important role in the building's performance. Walls constructed from adobe help maintain a low carbon footprint while offering thermal benefits. Corten steel is used in some areas, providing durability and an appealing visual texture that complements the natural surroundings. The choice of these materials allows the structure to withstand the temperature extremes typical of desert conditions. Skylights also feature prominently, letting in sunlight and fresh air while enhancing the overall comfort of the living environment.

Community and Social Interaction

The Common Hub is designed as a central gathering space that encourages socialization among residents. Its open layout fosters interaction and ensures an inviting atmosphere. This space embodies the project's intent to promote a sense of community while maintaining an easy flow of light and air throughout. It also offers expansive views of the landscape, allowing those who gather there to appreciate the beauty of the desert while enjoying shared moments with neighbors.

The overall design emphasizes a connection between the building and the natural environment. Each element is carefully considered, creating spaces that invite occupants to engage with the surrounding landscape and appreciate the simplicity and richness of desert life.

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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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