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Earth Tubes and 3d Printed Structures Enhance Sustainability in Community Housing

Earth Tubes and 3d Printed Structures Enhance Sustainability in Community Housing
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Utilizing earth tubes for natural climate control and 3D printing for construction components, the design establishes a sustainable community residence that integrates seamlessly with the local environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes earth tubes to provide natural heating and cooling systems.
02
Incorporates 3D printed components for efficient construction.
03
Features a biophilic design that enhances natural ventilation and light.
04
Employs recycled materials throughout the building process for sustainability.
05
Integrates communal gardens designed to promote biodiversity and social interaction.

## Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Ghaf Project represents a modern approach to sustainable housing, aimed at addressing the region's evolving environmental challenges and demographic diversity. Named after the ecologically and culturally significant Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria), the development integrates innovative design and eco-friendly materials to create a balanced relationship between the built environment and nature.

### Spatial Organization

The design emphasizes a geometric layout that prioritizes organized and dynamic spatial flow. Each residential unit caters to specific lifestyle needs through interconnected spaces that promote community interaction while ensuring privacy. The arrangement effectively delineates public, semi-public, and private areas, fostering a sense of communal living. Furthermore, the orientation of the units is strategically determined to optimize natural light and minimize heat gain, contributing to energy-efficient living that adapts to the local climate.

### Materiality and Sustainable Features

The project employs a variety of sustainable materials aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural element, ensuring durability. Solar panels are integrated into the roofs for renewable energy generation, while recycled materials are utilized in construction to reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, earth tubes are incorporated for natural heating and cooling, promoting reduced reliance on conventional HVAC systems.

Distinctive sustainable features include water recycling systems that treat greywater for reuse and the application of 3D printing technologies to create adaptable building forms using locally sourced materials. The integration of natural ventilation systems further enhances air quality and comfort. Together, these elements exemplify the commitment to innovative, eco-conscious design principles.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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