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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wood Accents Define a Sustainable Community Hub
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood accents, the design creates a harmonious community hub that emphasizes sustainability while fostering social connections.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that provide natural fire resistance while adding texture to the facade.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light diffusion.
04
Integrates green roofs that promote biodiversity and improve insulation.
05
Includes community spaces designed for flexible use, encouraging social interactions among diverse users.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the "Acropora: House of the Future" project explores themes of sustainability and adaptability in residential architecture. Drawing from the region's cultural and environmental context, the design meets contemporary living requirements while remaining responsive to future needs and environmental changes. The name "Acropora," inspired by a genus of coral, reflects the resilience and dynamic nature of both the home and its surroundings.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
This residence prominently features rammed earth, which offers natural insulation and thermal mass, thereby reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems in Dubai’s arid climate. The incorporation of wood in doors and structural elements adds warmth and tactile interaction to the living spaces. By utilizing natural materials, the design fosters a connection between the built environment and nature, aligning with biophilic principles that enhance overall well-being.

### Spatial Organization and Architectural Elements
The interior layout supports an open plan that facilitates movement and social interaction while providing distinct private and communal areas. Key spaces include a majlis, living and dining areas, and adaptable rooms for various uses. Outdoor integration is a key aspect, with gardens and patios that encourage connection to the environment. Traditional wind catchers are incorporated for natural ventilation, while flexible louvers allow occupants to control light and airflow, reinforcing the theme of adaptability. Coral-patterned screens provide privacy and aesthetic appeal, echoing local marine life and contributing to the home's distinctive character.

The project emphasizes sustainability in response to local challenges, integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar panels, enhancing its ecological footprint while remaining contextually relevant and economically viable for middle-class families in Dubai.

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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
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