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Horizontal Shading Systems and Porotherm Walls Enhance Energy Efficiency in Dubai Residence

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Horizontal Shading Systems and Porotherm Walls Enhance Energy Efficiency in Dubai Residence
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The integration of porotherm walls and a horizontal shading system allows for effective temperature regulation in a Dubai residence designed for family living, ensuring energy efficiency while responding to the region's harsh climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Porotherm walls provide superior thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption.
02
The horizontal shading system effectively mitigates direct sunlight, enhancing indoor comfort.
03
Open patio design facilitates natural ventilation while connecting interior and exterior spaces.
04
Landscaping integrates local vegetation to improve the microclimate around the residence.
05
The layout strategically separates communal and private areas for functional living spaces.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, this dwelling uniquely addresses the challenges imposed by the region's extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations. The design aims to enhance environmental sustainability while meeting the residential needs of its occupants. Emphasizing eco-conscious principles, the dwelling integrates innovative strategies to minimize energy consumption and provide comfortable living conditions throughout the year.

### Climate Responsiveness
The building's orientation and layout are strategically designed to optimize natural cross-ventilation and mitigate heat gain. By utilizing the prevailing summer winds from the south and southeast, the design effectively channels cool breezes into the living areas while shielding them from direct sunlight. Open patio spaces serve as transitional areas between indoors and outdoors, further protecting against excessive heat while promoting natural light and ventilation.

### Material Selection and Construction
Material choice is integral to the sustainability focus of the dwelling. The structure employs Porotherm brick for its excellent thermal insulation properties, complemented by gypsum plastering for improved energy efficiency and humidity control. Filler slabs contribute to reduced construction weight and costs, while a horizontal pivot shading system provides essential protection from the sun, minimizing heat gain. Additionally, landscaping elements are incorporated to enhance the aesthetic appeal and improve microclimate conditions around the residence.

### Spatial Organization
The dwelling features a thoughtful layout that fosters both social interaction and private retreat. The ground floor includes a majlis for guests, dining areas, an open kitchen, and a living space, all linked through an open patio that allows for flexible usage. On the first floor, private bedrooms are designed with attached bathrooms, ensuring convenience for family members while maintaining necessary privacy. The effective zoning of shared and private spaces enhances the functionality of the home, allowing for a harmonious family environment.

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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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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