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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Mycelium Facade Define a Sustainable Living Space

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Mycelium Facade Define a Sustainable Living Space
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and a mycelium facade, the design integrates sustainable materials with traditional cultural elements, creating a cohesive living environment that promotes energy efficiency and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates greywater recycling systems to minimize water consumption.
03
Features modular design that allows for future expansions without structural changes.
04
Utilizes natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels into the structure for renewable energy production.

**Overview**

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future exemplifies a contemporary residential design that integrates sustainability with cultural sensibilities. This project addresses modern residential needs by challenging conventional concepts of domesticity and promoting a harmonious dialogue between innovative practices and traditional values. The intent is to create a living environment that resonates with both the physical and emotional aspects of home life.

**Spatial Configuration and Layout**

The spatial organization of the house is designed to facilitate interaction and privacy. The ground floor features interconnected public areas, such as living and dining spaces, which encourage social engagement and family connections. These zones are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and maintain a sense of openness. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to private areas, including bedrooms and activity spaces, ensuring a clear distinction between public and intimate settings. This layout promotes efficient circulation while benefiting from natural ventilation.

**Material Choices and Sustainability Measures**

Material selection plays a crucial role in achieving both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. The structure prominently utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for flooring, contributing to a lighter carbon footprint. The exterior is clad in limestone and mycelium, enhancing insulation while being environmentally responsible. Energy efficiency is further supported by double-glazed windows and the inclusion of heat pumps for climate control. Water management features, such as greywater recycling tanks, alongside photovoltaic panels for energy generation, underline a commitment to sustainable living practices. This thoughtful integration of materials reflects a balance between modern technology and reverence for local architectural heritage.

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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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Recurring architecture competitions

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Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
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Take a step and make a statement!

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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
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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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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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