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Foldable Canvas Roof and Perspex Views in Sustainable Desert Living

Authors:
Annicka Duvenhage, Casey Dibakoane
Foldable Canvas Roof and Perspex Views in Sustainable Desert Living
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A foldable canvas roof offers unique stargazing opportunities while providing a sustainable living environment that integrates perspex views of the surrounding desert, fulfilling the needs of modern residents seeking comfort and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable canvas roof allows for stargazing and open-air living.
02
Perspex bubble provides panoramic views of the desert landscape.
03
Water collection system efficiently utilizes rainwater for sustainability.
04
Separate unit types cater to varying levels of luxury and space.
05
Open dining area promotes interaction with nature during meals.

The Desert Flower project is located in a desert landscape, showcasing a design that connects living spaces with nature. The central idea revolves around a foldable canvas roof, which allows residents to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining comfort indoors. This feature creates opportunities for stargazing and enhances the experience of living in a natural setting. The project aims to combine functionality with an inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for those seeking a retreat within the desert.

Foldable Roof Design

The foldable canvas roof is a key component of the design, providing both flexibility and shelter. It can be folded to one side, opening up the living space to the sky while protecting residents from the sun when closed. This adaptable feature caters to different weather conditions and encourages deeper engagement with the surrounding landscape. Residents can enjoy a personal connection to the vastness of the desert, feeling immersed in their environment.

Water Collection System

A water collection system is incorporated into the project, utilizing PVC pipes connected to the roof structure. This system captures rainwater and makes it available for use in the units, promoting sustainable living practices. Steel cables offer support to the roof, ensuring stability and function. The thoughtful design reflects a commitment to resource management, essential in a desert area where water is scarce.

Interior Layout and Amenities

The layout includes designated areas for living, bathing, sleeping, and outdoor space, fostering comfort and privacy. The dining area allows for indoor or outdoor meals, creating opportunities for residents to engage with nature during their dining experience. This configuration encourages social interaction, enhancing the community feel within the living spaces. Every area is designed to maximize usability while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Unit Variations

There are two types of units: standard and VIP, each sharing a consistent design language. The VIP units are more spacious and feature additional amenities, such as a shower with expansive views of the desert. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces allows residents to enjoy their surroundings while accommodating their specific needs.

A perspex bubble enhances the experience by framing views of the desert. It opens up the interiors to the outside world, inviting a natural light and a sense of tranquility. This design choice supports the goal of bringing the beauty of the landscape into the living experience.

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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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