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Curvilinear Adobe Structures Featuring Traditional Windcatchers in Residential Design

Curvilinear Adobe Structures Featuring Traditional Windcatchers in Residential Design
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With its curvilinear adobe forms and traditional windcatchers, the design harmonizes modern living with environmental adaptability to create a sustainable family residence in the heart of the desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced adobe for thermal efficiency in arid conditions.
02
Incorporates traditional windcatchers for natural ventilation, reducing energy reliance.
03
Features distinct curvilinear forms that reflect the surrounding dune landscape.
04
Utilizes a warm, earth-toned color palette inspired by the desert environment.
05
Integrates indigenous plants in landscaping to minimize water usage and enhance biodiversity.

## Overview

Located in the Empty Quarter Desert, this architectural design integrates traditional Emirati cultural elements with contemporary architectural practices. The intent is to create a structure that reflects the region's heritage while accommodating modern living needs. The design incorporates significant features such as the wind catcher and traditional motifs, alongside a curated color palette that draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial and Material Strategy

### Integration of Cultural and Environmental Contexts

The project's spatial organization and forms are influenced by the traditional Emirati tent, promoting an arrangement that enhances communal living and social interactions. The curvilinear walls and rooflines mimic the natural contours of the desert, fostering a relationship between the building and its environment. The design incorporates the wind catcher to improve natural ventilation, functioning as a practical solution while also serving as a cultural symbol of traditional architectural practices.

### Materials and Color Palette

The chosen materials reflect the area's cultural roots and environmental conditions. Adobe plaster, used in the construction, provides insulation and resonates with traditional building techniques typical of the region. Large glass windows facilitate natural light, ensuring a strong connection between indoors and outdoors. Stone and wood accents contribute warmth and texture. The color palette, characterized by warm earth tones and subtle complementary accents, mirrors the natural hues of the desert landscape, creating a cohesive visual experience that grounds the structure in its environment.

## Spatial Configuration and Outdoor Integration

### Floor Plan and Functionality

The ground floor consists of primary living spaces designed for accessibility and interaction, paired with a service area that maintains the functionality of the home without compromising privacy. The first floor is dedicated to private spaces, such as bedrooms, oriented to maximize views of the natural surroundings. Centralized circulation supports an efficient flow between rooms.

### Landscape and Outdoor Features

The landscaping includes gardens planted with indigenous species to enhance ecological sustainability and provide shaded areas for relaxation. Water features, including pools and fountains, not only echo the desert's vast expanses but also enrich the aesthetic value of the outdoor spaces, illustrating a thoughtful integration of nature with 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.

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