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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Featuring Smart Systems for Sustainable Desert Living

Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Featuring Smart Systems for Sustainable Desert Living
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and advanced energy systems, the design integrates seamlessly with its desert environment to create a flexible and self-sufficient living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes advanced Airgel insulation for optimal thermal performance in extreme climates.
02
Incorporates photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation and self-sufficiency.
03
Features an adaptable interior design that allows for customizable living spaces.
04
Integrates greywater recycling systems to enhance water conservation.
05
Promotes community interaction with a central fire pit as a social gathering space.

### Overview

Located within the context of the United Arab Emirates, the project embodies principles of adaptability, sustainability, and environmental integration. Designed as a modular and self-sufficient dwelling, it addresses the evolving social dynamics of the region while fostering a connection to both the desert and urban environments. The 450-square-meter site serves as a platform for a flexible model of habitation, emphasizing the idea of mobile architecture to accommodate the varied lifestyles of its occupants.

### Spatial Configuration and User-Centric Design

The architecture features a modular interior, allowing for customizable layouts that can adapt to the changing preferences of residents. Interchangeable furniture modules support various functional needs and lifestyles, emphasizing the notion that living spaces can be redefined over time. The design includes automatic systems powered by solar energy, which respond to climatic conditions by adjusting shading devices intuitively, thereby enhancing thermal comfort. Additionally, outdoor spaces such as a central fire pit are integrated to foster community interaction and create inviting gathering areas reflective of desert culture.

### Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

Key materials selected for the project address the challenges posed by the UAE's arid climate while promoting energy efficiency. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels provide structural integrity and warmth, while aluminum reinforcements enhance durability. Superior thermal performance is achieved through the use of aerogel insulation, and photovoltaic panels enable the harnessing of solar energy for self-sufficiency. The building also features greywater recycling systems and an incineration toilet, contributing to its self-sustaining capabilities. The chosen materials and advanced technologies collectively facilitate a design that minimizes ecological impact while fostering a deeper relationship with the surrounding environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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