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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Palm Leaf Screens Shape a Sustainable Family Residence

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Palm Leaf Screens Shape a Sustainable Family Residence
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and palm leaf screens, the residence seamlessly integrates sustainable materials to create a functional family home that prioritizes environmental sensitivity and cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and thermal performance.
02
Incorporates palm leaf screens that provide natural shading and ventilation.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design to optimize space and aesthetic appeal.
04
Combines traditional Emirati design elements with modern sustainability practices.
05
Includes modular layout capabilities for adaptability to changing family needs.

## Project Overview
Located in a culturally rich context, the residence is designed by Weave with an emphasis on the intersection of heritage, culture, and modern living. The architectural intent is to create a home that serves the dynamic needs of a family while integrating sustainably into its environment. This design prioritizes adaptability, aiming to establish a functional and site-specific architecture that supports contemporary lifestyles and community interaction.

## Layout and Functional Zones
The residence features a structured layout that supports both social interaction and personal privacy. Social spaces, such as the lobby, majlis, and informal living areas, are designed to facilitate gatherings, while private quarters are thoughtfully distributed across two floors to ensure retreat and relaxation. Additionally, dedicated work areas, including home offices and a private study, provide spaces for productivity and creativity. The design includes outdoor elements such as courtyards and pools that foster engagement with nature, thereby blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living environments.

## Material and Sustainability Strategy
Materials selected for the project reflect both environmental considerations and the local context. Cross-laminated timber is utilized for walls and roofs, enhancing insulation and structural integrity. Photovoltaic panels are integrated for renewable energy generation, while palm leaf screens provide natural shading and ventilation. Furthermore, high-performance double-glazed windows improve energy efficiency and maximize natural light. The design incorporates adaptable systems, including an integrated HVAC system tailored to the local climate, ensuring efficient management of indoor air quality and temperature. This approach not only supports sustainable living but also reinforces a commitment to environmental stewardship within the architectural framework.

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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.

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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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