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Dual-Skin Facade with Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber and Efficient Solar Roof Design

Dual-Skin Facade with Sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber and Efficient Solar Roof Design
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The use of a dual-skin facade combined with sustainable cross-laminated timber and an integrated solar roof system creates a flexible and energy-efficient living environment designed to adapt to diverse household needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a dual-skin facade to enhance thermal performance and aesthetic flexibility.
02
Incorporates sustainable cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and rapid assembly.
03
Features an integrated solar roof system designed for off-grid energy efficiency.
04
Offers customizable facades tailored to individual resident preferences.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for durability and low maintenance.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the housing project addresses contemporary challenges in residential construction, particularly focusing on balancing mass production with individual customization and sustainability. The design seeks to create a functional prototype for future housing solutions that emphasizes affordability and adaptability, responding effectively to the evolving needs of urban living.

### Spatial Configuration and Sustainability

The project features a modular design that allows for flexible configurations based on family size and specific requirements. This adaptability is visually represented through standardized blocks that can be easily expanded or reduced. A distinctive dual-skin facade offers aesthetic variety—residents can choose from traditional Emirati, Mediterranean, or modern exteriors. A uniquely shaped roof, engineered for solar energy generation, also provides shaded outdoor spaces, enhancing both the building’s functionality and its energy efficiency.

### Material Selection and Economic Viability

Materials selected for construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Eco-friendly wood-based composites and plant-based rigid foam insulation enhance thermal performance while being easily sourced and environmentally responsible. Durable galvanized steel serves as the primary structural element, accompanied by cross-linked polyethylene pipes, chosen for their resilience. Basic unit costs range from approximately 60,000 AED for off-grid settings to about 540,000 AED for comprehensive on-grid configurations, facilitating inclusivity and affordability across diverse demographic groups.

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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

`
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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Recurring architecture competitions

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Design a home with no artificial lighting

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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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

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