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Passive Cooling Residences with Modular Design for Arid Climates

Passive Cooling Residences with Modular Design for Arid Climates
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Utilizing hollow brick construction and modular design, this sustainable residential initiative captures wind and solar energy to create adaptable living spaces for families in Dubai's arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wind tower enhances passive cooling and air circulation.
02
Solar panels provide energy independence for homes.
03
Modular design allows for family needs expansion.
04
Rainwater and greywater harvesting support responsible water management.
05
Hollow bricks promote thermal comfort in exterior walls.

"Where Wind Finds Home" is a comprehensive residential initiative located in Dubai, UAE. It focuses on sustainable living solutions tailored for low-income communities. The design emphasizes environmental responsiveness and energy efficiency, aiming to create a functional living space that interacts dynamically with the local climate. This project serves as a model for future housing developments that prioritize sustainability and community resilience.

Sustainable Integration and Family-Centric Design

This project embodies a commitment to sustainable integration within urban settings. Key features include a wind tower that harnesses natural breezes, allowing for passive cooling and improved air circulation, significantly reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

Additionally, solar panels placed strategically on roofs enhance the energy independence of the homes by generating surplus electricity. The project incorporates a modular design approach, providing flexibility for families as their needs evolve, allowing for expansion without extensive reconstruction. Outdoor spaces are integral to the design, fostering interactions with nature and the surrounding community through open-air patios and communal gardens. The arrangement of spaces prioritizes both private and social interactions, creating an environment conducive to family life while inviting community connectivity.

Innovative Climate Adaptation and Resource Management

A distinguishing characteristic here is its methodical approach to climate adaptation. Utilizing local architectural traditions, the design incorporates passive cooling strategies that address the hot, arid climate of Dubai. Features such as solar chimneys enhance natural ventilation, further contributing to the energy efficiency of the homes. The inclusion of rainwater and greywater harvesting systems signifies a commitment to responsible water management, supporting both domestic use and landscaping needs. Materials play a vital role in the project’s sustainability. The use of hollow bricks for external walls promotes thermal comfort, while recycled plastic cladding reduces environmental impact. Internal finishes utilize moisture-resistant gypsum plastering, enhancing durability and aesthetics.

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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.

The Next House: USA

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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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