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Geometric Dodecahedron Housing Constructed with Sustainable Wood Elements

Geometric Dodecahedron Housing Constructed with Sustainable Wood Elements
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The design intricately combines a twelve-sided dodecahedron structure with sustainable wood elements and Islamic geometric patterns, creating modular housing that promotes community living in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates twelve sides, symbolizing the lunar months in the Islamic calendar.
02
Each housing module measures 6.00 meters, allowing for flexible family configurations.
03
Sustainable materials include charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
The geometric layout promotes natural light penetration and efficient airflow throughout the space.
05
Community areas are integrated to foster social interaction among residents.

## Architectural Design Report: Dodecahedron Concept

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the Dodecahedron Concept seeks to fuse traditional Islamic values with contemporary architectural practices. Emerging from the "House of the Future" architecture competition, the design employs geometric forms, particularly the dodecahedron and cube, to create modular living spaces that reflect cultural continuity. The incorporation of Mashrabiyah patterns serves as a central design inspiration, reinforcing the connection between past and present.

### Geometric Transformation and Cultural Significance

The project begins with the basic geometric form of the cube, representing stability and structure. By evolving into a dodecahedron, the design encapsulates cultural values pertinent to Islamic tradition. Each pentagon on the dodecahedron corresponds to one of the five pillars of Islam, symbolizing foundational principles within modern contexts. Additionally, the twelve sides relate to the lunar months of the Islamic calendar, underscoring the project's connection to cultural heritage and highlighting the importance of sustaining Islamic values through generational shifts in a rapidly modernizing environment.

### Innovative Materials and Sustainable Design

The design utilizes a range of materials to achieve its architectural objectives, with glass facades enhancing transparency and promoting environmental connectivity. Structural elements are crafted from aluminum and steel to ensure durability, while wood may be employed in interior accents for added warmth. This choice of materials supports sustainable practices by facilitating modular construction, thus allowing for scalability and adaptability in residential configurations. The project’s design efficiently organizes living spaces, allocating areas for both private and communal functions, thereby enhancing social interactions among residents.

The modular approach to design enables each dodecahedron module to measure 6.00 meters, with pentagonal edges at 2.29 meters, providing flexibility suited to varying family sizes and needs. The spatial layout allows for open living and dining areas, private rooms, and designated community spaces, fostering a sense of belonging within diverse populations.

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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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