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Cross-Laminated Timber Facade with Natural Ventilation Strategies in a Residential Setting

Cross-Laminated Timber Facade with Natural Ventilation Strategies in a Residential Setting
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber and integrating passive cooling systems, the design creates an energy-efficient residential environment that promotes natural ventilation and privacy in the context of Dubai's climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels form the primary structural element, ensuring flexibility and strength.
02
The design incorporates wind towers to enhance natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique exterior finish while offering protection from the harsh climate.
04
Integrated solar panels on the roof facilitate energy self-sufficiency for the home.
05
A central courtyard fosters communal interaction and acts as a thermal buffer against external temperatures.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the House of the Future integrates traditional and modern architectural elements while addressing environmental sustainability. The design aims to create a self-sufficient residential environment that meets contemporary lifestyle needs while effectively responding to the unique climatic challenges of the region.

## Spatial Strategy
The design employs a courtyard house configuration, which fosters comfort and community engagement. Each interconnected space is thoughtfully arranged to prioritize privacy and communal interaction, with courtyards serving as central features that facilitate natural ventilation and light. The site plan strategically zones living areas, kitchens, and private rooms around these courtyards, ensuring efficient air circulation and maintaining a stable indoor climate.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Emphasizing a blend of local and innovative materials, the architectural style utilizes cross-laminated timber (CLT) for structural integrity, clay for insulation, and durable woods such as ebony and palm for aesthetic appeal. The project embraces sustainable features, including a radiant cooling system and wind towers to enhance passive cooling and energy efficiency. Additionally, the roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and grey water recycling systems underscore a commitment to energy self-sufficiency and resource conservation. These integrated systems reflect a stringent focus on reducing the dwelling’s carbon footprint while enhancing overall user experience.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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