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Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vegetated Walls in a Sustainable Timber Residence

Authors:
Elizabeth Bernal Gómez, Santiago González Prieto
Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vegetated Walls in a Sustainable Timber Residence
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Integrating a wind-harnessing vegetated wall with sustainable timber construction, this residence showcases an efficient energy system while providing functional living spaces designed for comfort and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a wind-harnessing vegetated wall to optimize energy efficiency.
02
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Incorporates a geothermal conditioning system for natural temperature regulation.
05
Utilizes sliding glass doors to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview
Wind House is situated in a contemporary residential context that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between built spaces and the natural environment. The design intent focuses on creating defined areas for various social interactions, organized into public, semi-public, and private zones. By integrating modern sustainability practices, the project enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments while promoting efficient space utilization.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout strategically connects living areas through sliding doors, ensuring fluid transitions and fostering social interaction. At the heart of the dwelling, the living room serves as a communal space that leads to a versatile kitchen, allowing for both functionality and accessibility. Private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms, are thoughtfully distanced from communal zones, ensuring sound and visual privacy. This careful spatial division provides residents with a well-balanced living experience, conducive to both sociability and solitude.

### Innovative Features
A standout element of Wind House is the "wind wall," which integrates aesthetic appeal with functional performance. This design feature captures wind energy for electricity generation while facilitating natural ventilation throughout the dwelling. The wind wall's vegetation mitigates excessive air flow and enhances the overall energy efficiency of the house. Constructed from recycled materials, it reinforces the project's commitment to sustainability while adding a dynamic interplay of light and shadow to the exterior.

### Material Selection
Material choices for Wind House play a crucial role in its sustainability and design integrity. Wood is extensively utilized in doors and window frames, providing warmth and an organic aesthetic. The incorporation of sliding glass doors enhances visual continuity with the outside, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. Components related to the geothermal conditioning system and recycled materials in the wind wall further underscore the building's environmental strategy, contributing to effective thermal regulation and overall energy performance.

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

`
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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