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Corten Steel Facade and 3d-Printed Walls in a Sustainable Urban Residence

Corten Steel Facade and 3d-Printed Walls in a Sustainable Urban Residence
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Constructed with 3D-printed walls and clad in weathering steel, the residence exemplifies sustainable living through innovative material use and integrates outdoor spaces with functional areas for modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
3D-printed walls reduce construction waste and enhance efficiency.
02
Corten steel facade evolves with weathering, creating a dynamic aesthetic.
03
Integrated photovoltaic cells supply renewable energy directly to the home.
04
Landscaping includes native vegetation, promoting local biodiversity.
05
A central axis optimizes natural light and encourages outdoor connectivity.

## Overview

Situated in Dubai, this project exemplifies a novel approach to sustainable living through the application of 3D printing technology in residential architecture. The design merges traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting a forward-thinking ethos while prioritizing environmental responsibility. The intent is to create a living space that fosters a strong connection between occupants and their natural surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout of the residence is characterized by a separation of volumes, allowing for a thoughtful integration of outdoor elements within the interior spaces. A central linear circulation axis enhances accessibility and interaction between different functional areas—such as living, dining, and recreational spaces—culminating in a unified spatial experience. Key communal areas, including a living room and majlis, are thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction while maintaining privacy in the private quarters located on the first floor.

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency

The project employs innovative materials that align with its aesthetic and functional objectives. The facade features 3D printed walls constructed from sustainable materials, which significantly reduce construction waste and enhance energy efficiency. Corten steel cladding and perforated metal screens provide a balance of visual appeal and practical shading, allowing natural light while ensuring privacy. Additionally, the integration of transparent photovoltaic cells into the building structure not only generates solar energy but also maintains the influx of daylight.

Incorporating rainwater harvesting systems and passive solar design strategies further illustrates a commitment to sustainability, optimizing natural ventilation and regulating indoor temperatures in Dubai's climate. Landscaped areas with palm trees and outdoor living spaces create microclimates that enhance comfort, effectively blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior environments.

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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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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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