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Curvilinear Form with Colored Glass Facade and Integrated Solar Panels for Sustainable Living

Curvilinear Form with Colored Glass Facade and Integrated Solar Panels for Sustainable Living
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The S-shaped design, characterized by its colored glass facade and aluminum louvers, seamlessly integrates sustainable features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting into a family residence that reflects the cultural essence of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
The S-shaped design enhances natural ventilation throughout the residence.
02
Colored glass blocks provide privacy while allowing ample light into the living spaces.
03
Solar panels integrated into the roof contribute to the home's energy efficiency.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are seamlessly incorporated into the landscape design.
05
Aluminum louvers are adjustable, optimizing light control and climate comfort.

## Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the Ancestors' House exemplifies a contemporary approach to residential design that prioritizes energy efficiency, cultural sensitivity, and aesthetic appeal. The design integrates modern architectural methodologies with elements reflecting traditional Emirati lifestyles, aiming to create a dwelling that is both functional and contextually relevant.

## Spatial Distribution and Cultural Aesthetics
The architectural form features an S-shaped layout, which distinctly separates public and private spaces to facilitate comfortable living while ensuring privacy. Communal areas, such as the living room and dining area, are designed to foster connectivity, while private suites on the upper level enhance personal space. This arrangement promotes a functional hierarchy within the home. The use of materials such as colored glass blocks and textured façades draws inspiration from historical Emirati architecture, resonating with the region's cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements.

## Sustainability and Material Choice
Emphasizing sustainability, the Ancestors' House employs passive design strategies aimed at minimizing environmental impact. Key features include solar panels for energy generation and systems for water conservation, including rainwater harvesting. The material selection reflects a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, using concrete for structural integrity, aluminum for adjustable louver systems to optimize ventilation, and wood to provide warmth within the modern context. This careful consideration of materiality reinforces the project's hybrid identity and aesthetic coherence, while also supporting energy-efficient living.

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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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MICROHOME 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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