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Honeycomb Photovoltaics and Limestone Facade in Sustainable Desert Residence

Honeycomb Photovoltaics and Limestone Facade in Sustainable Desert Residence
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Integrating honeycomb photovoltaic cells within a durable limestone façade, this residential design exemplifies sustainable living in a desert environment, providing both community interaction and private retreat for modern families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes honeycomb photovoltaic cells that optimize energy generation and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates a durable limestone façade for temperature regulation and local resilience.
03
Features multiple courtyards that enhance natural light and promote outdoor interaction.
04
Design inspired by traditional archetypes, emphasizing a connection to cultural roots.
05
Flexible layout accommodates both communal activities and private living spaces.

## Overview
Located in a desert environment of the UAE, this project merges traditional and contemporary architectural practices with a focus on sustainable living. The design reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for a modern family while maintaining harmony with the natural landscape. The architecture is informed by three archetypes—tree, wadi, and oasis—each representing key elements of life, connectivity, and community.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout is organized into distinct functional blocks: a residence block and a service block, designed to facilitate fluid movement while ensuring privacy. The ground floor features an open floor plan that connects shared and private spaces, including a Majlis for community gatherings and intimate bedrooms for family members. Integrated courtyards and gardens promote interaction with nature, enhancing livability while maintaining aesthetic integrity. The upper floor accommodates bedrooms along with a central roof garden, optimizing environmental engagement and allowing for flexible room configurations.

## Material Selection
The project emphasizes the careful selection of materials, supporting sustainability and energy efficiency. Limestone serves as a durable structural element, while a honeycomb wooden roof enhances ventilation and lightness. Glazed ceramic tiles are employed in the façade to provide privacy without sacrificing natural light. Additionally, honeycomb photovoltaic cells are integrated into the roof design to generate renewable energy, promoting self-sufficiency. This material palette not only contributes visually but also focuses on ecological performance, particularly in energy efficiency and passive cooling strategies.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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