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Dynamic Brick Screens and Natural Ventilation Showcase Sustainable Living in a Modular Residential Framework

Dynamic Brick Screens and Natural Ventilation Showcase Sustainable Living in a Modular Residential Framework
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Infused with dynamic brick screens and a central wind tower for natural ventilation, the design incorporates a modular steel framework that adapts seamlessly to the needs of contemporary family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic brick screens provide passive ventilation while maintaining privacy.
02
A centrally located wind tower enhances natural airflow throughout the home.
03
The modular steel framework allows for future adaptations and expansions.
04
Integrated water features connect indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly.
05
Landscaping is designed to extend the architectural grid, promoting ecological balance.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the Flex-House merges contemporary architectural principles with local cultural heritage. This design addresses the climatic challenges of the region while incorporating modern amenities, emphasizing a balance between functionality and cultural identity. The project aims to create adaptive living spaces that cater to family dynamics and foster community interaction.

## Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces within Flex-House is carefully structured to differentiate between public and private areas. The ground floor includes communal zones such as the living, dining, kitchen spaces, and a traditional majlis, alongside recreational features like a hydraulic water body. The upper levels are devoted to private bedrooms, each with individual balconies and bathrooms, while flexible external areas promote versatile usage. The logical flow of these spaces facilitates social interaction while maintaining privacy.

## Sustainable Materiality

Material selection plays a crucial role in the design's efficacy. The structural framework is composed of a 3D steel grid, providing durability and the potential for future expansions. Locally sourced brick panels serve as dynamic screens, ensuring natural ventilation and enhancing privacy. Water features, including a water wall connecting the rooftop pool to the interior, enhance humidity control and visual continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. The inclusion of a green roof and lightweight roofing materials further reduces ecological impact while optimizing insulation and shading.

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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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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