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Hydroponic Gardens and Piterak Cladding in Desert Residential Design

Hydroponic Gardens and Piterak Cladding in Desert Residential Design
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Utilizing Piterak cladding and an integrated hydroponic garden, this residential design in the Al Qudra Desert emphasizes sustainable living while providing essential modern amenities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Piterak cladding for thermal efficiency and aesthetic integration with the desert landscape.
02
Incorporates an indoor hydroponic garden to support year-round food production with minimal water use.
03
Features solar panels that generate renewable energy for the home's daily needs.
04
Designed with a circular footprint to enhance airflow and reduce energy consumption.
05
Includes a vertical car parking lift to optimize land use in a compact urban environment.

## Overview

Located in the Al Qudra Desert, west of Dubai, the project integrates modern living with sustainable practices tailored to the region’s arid climate. The design emphasizes both functionality and ecological compatibility through a distinctive geometric structure, which incorporates innovative features aimed at enhancing lifestyle while reducing environmental impact.

### Spatial Organization

The ground floor encompasses 200 m² and includes essential living spaces such as bedrooms, a kitchen, and an expansive living room, along with necessary service areas. The layout is organized around a central hallway that connects various rooms, optimizing accessibility and privacy, with each bedroom equipped with dressing areas and en-suite bathrooms. The first floor, covering 150 m², features a dining area, pantry, and an indoor hydroponic garden. This arrangement not only facilitates social interaction but also contributes to the sustainability goals by enabling food production in a water-efficient manner.

### Material Selection

The project's material palette reflects a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Recycled steel is employed for structural components, minimizing the carbon footprint while ensuring stability. Aerogel insulation enhances energy efficiency, essential for extreme temperatures, and low-emissivity (Low-E) coated glass reduces glare while maximizing natural light. Piterak® XS terracotta cladding offers thermal insulation and visual appeal, and reflective glass is strategically positioned to balance light and temperature within the structure.

Additional features include a hydroponic indoor garden that significantly reduces water consumption, a solar panel system for energy generation, and a vertical car parking lift that optimizes land use, addressing spatial challenges in urban environments. The design represents a conscientious approach to resource management and community needs, setting a precedent for sustainable living in similar contexts.

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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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