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Geometric Lattice Facade of Red Clay Bricks and Natural Ventilation in a Modern Emirati Home

Geometric Lattice Facade of Red Clay Bricks and Natural Ventilation in a Modern Emirati Home
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A geometric lattice façade constructed from red clay bricks maximizes natural ventilation while reflecting cultural heritage, creating a modern Emirati home designed for comfort and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geometric lattice façade inspired by traditional Emirati patterns enhances cultural identity.
02
Red clay bricks provide superior thermal insulation for energy efficiency.
03
Strategic outdoor gardens create microclimates for natural cooling.
04
Open floor plans foster social interaction among residents.
05
Natural ventilation systems reduce reliance on mechanical cooling solutions.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design adopts a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Emirati architecture, emphasizing the harmony between functionality and cultural heritage. The project responds to the challenges posed by the local climate—characterized by high temperatures, strong winds, and sand—by integrating design elements that enhance thermal comfort and support sustainable practices. The architectural language reflects an understanding of social needs and local identity, resulting in a thoughtful and contextually relevant outcome.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The building is organized across three floors that serve distinct yet interconnected functions. Public zones, including living and dining areas, are located on the ground floor, while private spaces such as bedrooms and home offices occupy the upper levels. Open floor plans facilitate spatial fluidity, promoting interaction among inhabitants. Outdoor spaces, strategically integrated with gardens and water features, create cooling microclimates and foster a connection to nature. The design employs an intelligent arrangement of windows, skylights, and air cavities to enhance natural ventilation and optimize daylight access.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The material palette is carefully chosen for its sustainability and performance characteristics. Red clay bricks, noted for their excellent thermal insulation, help regulate interior temperatures and reduce energy consumption. The inclusion of cement plaster adds durability and aesthetic appeal, while air cavities within wall assemblies promote natural ventilation. Geometric lattice work on the façade, inspired by traditional patterns, not only provides shade and filtered light but also reinforces cultural significance. This comprehensive material strategy addresses environmental challenges, ensuring the design remains responsive to the surrounding desert 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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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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