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Cross-Ventilated Skylights and Terrazzo Floors in Sustainable Desert Habitats

Authors:
Josh Kunkel, Melissa Hosman, Drew Harbour, Beth Kunkel
Cross-Ventilated Skylights and Terrazzo Floors in Sustainable Desert Habitats
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Skylights designed for cross-ventilation complement the sustainable use of mass walls and greywater systems in a desert habitat, creating functional living spaces that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Skylights enhance natural lighting and promote cross-ventilation in living spaces.
02
Mass walls provide passive heating and cooling, adapting to extreme temperature changes.
03
Greywater systems are integrated to irrigate surrounding vegetation efficiently.
04
Designed habitats support local wildlife, specifically addressing the needs of Oryx.
05
The community hub centralizes resources to enhance social interactions among residents.

The project is set in a desert landscape, designed to promote communal living while ensuring privacy and comfort for individuals. Its layout consists of both standard and VIP units, enhancing the experience of living in harmony with the environment. By focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency, the design responds thoughtfully to the challenges posed by the local climate, creating spaces that connect people with nature.

Design Concept

In the standard unit, the design reveals a two-level structure. The first level features an entry foyer that serves as a utility area, providing space for workstations and equipment storage as well as access to washrooms. An indoor gathering area encourages social interactions among residents. Terrazzo flooring is available as a VIP option, while a light wood finish adds an inviting touch to the interior.

Spatial Arrangement

The second level holds a bedroom designed to invite the outdoors in, highlighted by a skylight and terrace that offer opportunities for stargazing. Concrete flooring serves as the standard choice, providing a durable and practical solution for the desert environment. A centrally located bathroom maximizes natural light and facilitates necessary access to systems like the greywater setup, showcasing efficiency in space utilization.

Environmental Considerations

The design takes local wildlife into account, particularly the Oryx, by incorporating habitats that acknowledge their migratory patterns. Strategically placed vegetation ensures sustainable food sources, demonstrating a commitment to environmental balance. This consideration for biodiversity enriches both human and animal experiences in the area.

Community Integration

A community hub plays a crucial role in linking the various spaces, offering areas for social activities. This hub includes a centralized shower facility, which helps optimize resource use, as well as reception and storage areas that enhance the overall functionality of the site. The use of mass walls helps regulate temperature by providing passive heating and cooling, mitigating the extreme temperature variations common in desert climates.

Special attention is given to the design of the roof, featuring openings that allow skylights to promote cross-ventilation. This design detail ensures thermal comfort and reflects a broader commitment to integrating natural systems into everyday living. The careful balance of private and communal spaces underscores a functional and sustainable way of life, making the architecture responsive to both its inhabitants and 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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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