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Fish Scale Facade Crafted from Photovoltaic Panels Meets Sustainable Living in a Desert Climate

Fish Scale Facade Crafted from Photovoltaic Panels Meets Sustainable Living in a Desert Climate
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A facade inspired by fish scales formed from integrated photovoltaic panels defines a home that seamlessly adapts to the desert climate while promoting energy efficiency and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Façade integrates photovoltaic panels designed to mimic fish scales for energy generation.
02
Ground-level open plan connects seamlessly with landscaped outdoor spaces.
03
Underground water reservoir enhances temperature regulation and supports sustainability.
04
Green roof design maximizes insulation and reduces thermal gain in a desert climate.
05
Strategically positioned overhangs provide shade while maintaining natural light indoors.

### Overview

Aqua Fin House is located in Dubai and represents a convergence of sustainable architecture and contemporary design principles. Inspired by the region’s rich aquatic heritage, the project is a response to both climatic and cultural contexts, showcasing an innovative design methodology rooted in environmental sensitivity. Conceived by architect Hager Magdy, the house draws on marine motifs, particularly the form of a fish, to create a structure that harmonizes with its surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The interior layout of Aqua Fin House has been meticulously planned to enhance both functionality and comfort. The ground floor features an open-plan design that connects social spaces, such as the family living room, to outdoor gardens, fostering a strong link with nature. Service areas, including an underground water tank, are strategically positioned to maintain aesthetic continuity while ensuring effective utility management. Upstairs, the private quarters are segmented to provide privacy and panoramic views of the landscape, reinforcing the connection between indoor living and the natural environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials within Aqua Fin House reflects a balance between aesthetic qualities and practical performance. The use of concrete provides structural durability, while large glass openings optimize natural light and promote visual engagement with outdoor spaces. Notable design elements include metal fish-scale panels that not only serve as a distinctive visual feature but also facilitate energy efficiency through solar energy capture. Additionally, the integration of a green roof and thoughtfully placed overhangs regulates internal temperatures, contributing to the building’s sustainable profile. Water management is enhanced by an underground reservoir that aids in temperature regulation, underscoring the commitment to conservation inherent in the project’s design.

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The Next House: USA
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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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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