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Drone Taxi Pad and Arabic Tents Enhance Sustainable Living in Contemporary Villa

Drone Taxi Pad and Arabic Tents Enhance Sustainable Living in Contemporary Villa
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Incorporating a rooftop drone taxi pad and Arabic-inspired tents, this villa exemplifies a modern approach to sustainable living while seamlessly blending cultural heritage with contemporary functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rooftop drone taxi pad for modern urban mobility.
02
Features Arabic-inspired tents that promote outdoor social interactions.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates an open-plan layout that fosters seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

### Overview

Sahara House is located in Dubai and represents a synthesis of contemporary architectural design with traditional Arabic influences. The project's intent is to create a residential environment that reflects both modern luxury and cultural heritage, with features that cater to contemporary living while honoring local traditions.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The spatial organization of Sahara House emphasizes an open concept layout that encourages a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor areas. The ground floor includes expansive glass facades that enhance natural light, while the integration of multifunctional spaces, such as the Arabic tent area, fosters communal interactions and cultural engagement. On the first floor, the design prioritizes privacy for personal spaces while maintaining connections to the landscape through strategic window placement. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a serene living experience that balances comfort and functionality.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Extensive use of glass facilitates panoramic views and daylighting, enhancing the ambiance of the interiors. Concrete serves as a robust structural element, while steel provides support for the Arabic-inspired tents, blending strength with elegance. In terms of sustainability, Sahara House incorporates solar panels on the rooftop, utilizing advanced photovoltaic technology to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, thereby addressing the growing importance of sustainable living practices in urban settings.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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