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Geopolymer Walls and 3d Printed Design Enhancing Sustainable Family Living
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Utilizing geopolymer walls and a 3D printed structure, this residential design reduces energy consumption and enhances thermal performance, creating a sustainable family living environment in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geopolymer walls reduce carbon footprint and improve thermal efficiency.
02
3D printing techniques minimize material waste during construction.
03
Mashrabiyya elements provide natural shading and enhance privacy.
04
Hollow vault bricks improve air circulation and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrated solar panels contribute to energy self-sufficiency.

## Overview

The TerraVilla project, located in the United Arab Emirates, addresses both energy consumption and environmental impact while catering to the specific needs of Emirati citizens. The design principle focuses on minimizing energy usage and employing advanced construction methodologies, specifically through 3D printing techniques. The intent is to create a self-sufficient residential environment that significantly reduces the energy and carbon footprint associated with typical household activities.

## Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The spatial configuration separates functional areas into distinct zones, with a service area located at the rear and the living space at the front, optimizing user privacy and enhancing overall efficiency. The central entrance serves as a vital connector, facilitating circulation between these areas. Interior design elements prioritize both communal interaction and private living, featuring a reception hall conducive to family gatherings, as well as terraces and green spaces that invite nature into the urban landscape, fostering social interaction among residents.

## Material and Technological Integration

TerraVilla employs innovative materials engineered for sustainability and performance. The use of geopolymer mortar for walls enhances thermal mass and insulation, while 3D printed double shell walls facilitate complex geometries and reduce waste during construction. Hollow vault bricks contribute to elegant ceiling designs that enhance natural ventilation. Furthermore, the strategic placement of solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems supports energy efficiency and water sustainability, integrating cutting-edge technologies to further reduce dependence on municipal resources.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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