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Funicular Design Crafted with Local Brick and Glass to Foster Sustainable Living

Funicular Design Crafted with Local Brick and Glass to Foster Sustainable Living
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With its funicular form and integration of local brick and expansive glass, the design creates a harmonious oasis that prioritizes sustainability and comfort for modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a funicular design for enhanced structural stability.
02
Incorporates a central courtyard that fosters natural light and ventilation.
03
Features an eco-friendly green roof for thermal management.
04
Employs local brick and glass to create a seamless connection with the environment.
05
Integrates a gray water recycling system to support sustainability.

### Project Overview

The Sustainable Oasis House is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and aims to harmonize contemporary living with sustainable principles while acknowledging the cultural heritage of the region. The design prioritizes functionality and aesthetic appeal through the innovative use of funicular shell structures, which provide an architectural framework that enhances light, airflow, and integration with the natural environment.

### Unique Design Elements

The building's architecture features a funicular shell that offers structural stability while presenting a distinct silhouette that complements the urban context. Traditional Emirati architectural motifs have been incorporated throughout the design, ensuring that the aesthetics resonate with local culture. The central circular courtyard serves a dual purpose as both a light source and communal space, promoting connectivity between the indoor and outdoor environments.

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency

Material selection is critical to both sustainability and aesthetic integrity. The structure employs durable brick for the shell, high-strength concrete for stability, expansive glass for natural illumination and views, and photovoltaic panels for solar energy harnessing. The incorporation of a green roof further enhances thermal management and visual appeal. Energy efficiency strategies include effective solar energy utilization, natural ventilation through strategically placed window openings, and a gray water recycling system that reduces water consumption.

### Spatial Organization

The Sustainable Oasis House is organized into two distinct floors. The ground floor accommodates communal living spaces, including a lounge and kitchen/dining area, alongside a central courtyard that encourages family interaction. Service areas are discretely integrated to maintain the overall aesthetic. On the first floor, four bedrooms—including a master suite—are designed for privacy but interconnected through a bridge that reflects the architectural theme of the funicular shell, facilitating both accessibility and spatial continuity.

### User Experience

The design promotes a serene living environment, emphasizing natural light and internal greenery to enhance well-being. Each space is designed for comfort and functionality, catering to varied family activities—from communal gatherings in the courtyard to quiet moments in private quarters. Integrated green spaces encourage a tranquil atmosphere, while the innovative structural solutions and modern reinterpretation of traditional elements ensure cultural relevance in a contemporary context.

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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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