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Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay-Brick Assembly Creating a Modern Majlis Experience

Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay-Brick Assembly Creating a Modern Majlis Experience
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and local clay-brick, the design creates a functional Majlis that harmonizes traditional gathering practices with contemporary sustainability principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional clay-brick for thermal performance and local relevance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances spatial dynamics and aesthetics.
04
Includes a Barjeel for passive cooling, reducing reliance on HVAC systems.
05
Provides flexible modular spaces to accommodate evolving family needs.

### Overview
Located within the urban landscape of Dubai, the design of Cadenza explores the interplay between communal gathering and privacy, reflecting the cultural values of hospitality and community engagement found in Qatari and Emirati traditions. The project is centered around a Majlis, a traditional meeting area that serves as the heart of social interaction, while seamlessly integrating private living spaces. This architectural approach generates an environment that fosters both community connection and individual seclusion.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The organizational layout of Cadenza is deliberately structured to accommodate a variety of social and private activities. Key functional areas include a welcoming entrance, the central Majlis for communal gatherings, and adjacent dining and kitchen areas that support hospitality. Additionally, designated family areas offer private living spaces, complemented by service areas which incorporate practical facilities like laundry and washing rooms. A low wall serves as a subtle boundary between public and private zones, enhancing accessibility and allowing for gradual transitions between shared and intimate environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project employs a strategic blend of materials that underscores both its aesthetic appeal and commitment to sustainability. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as a primary structural element, offering design flexibility while ensuring structural integrity. Local materials such as clay and brick are used to echo traditional construction methods and provide thermal mass benefits for energy efficiency. The incorporation of glass allows for enhanced natural light and visual connections to the surrounding landscape. Additionally, a metal framework supports modular adaptability, facilitating future alterations. The design integrates passive cooling strategies, including the traditional Barjeel, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and promoting energy self-sufficiency.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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