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Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Ventilation Define This Sustainable Emirati Family Home

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Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Ventilation Define This Sustainable Emirati Family Home
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and a design that emphasizes transparency and natural ventilation, the family home fosters an interactive living environment while integrating seamlessly with its landscaped surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates modular spatial arrangements for adaptability to evolving family needs.
05
Emphasizes extensive landscaping to create seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

### Project Overview
The House of the Future is located in the United Arab Emirates and reflects a contemporary architectural approach that merges sustainable design with cultural context. The intent is to create a residence that not only functions effectively for families but also encourages meaningful interactions among its occupants through an emphasis on shared spaces and collective experiences.

### Transparency and Spatial Flexibility
Central to the architectural concept is the theme of transparency, which influences the spatial organization and flow between indoor and outdoor areas. The layout allows natural light to penetrate deeply into living spaces while ensuring privacy is preserved when needed. This openness is further complemented by a modular grid design, enabling the structure to adapt over time to meet shifting family requirements. The ground floor design promotes integration with landscaped gardens, creating a visual and functional continuity between the home and its surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to both aesthetic quality and sustainability. The structure employs concrete for its foundational elements, while extensive use of glass enhances transparency and facilitates a visual connection with the environment. Wooden elements add warmth to the design, incorporating bamboo for its sustainable properties. Aluminium is utilized for durability in frames and fittings, further contributing to the project's modern character. Additional sustainable features include photovoltaic panels for energy generation and integrated water management systems for efficiency in resource use.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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