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Integration of Recycled Materials with Thermal Blocks in a Desert-Adapted Family Home

Integration of Recycled Materials with Thermal Blocks in a Desert-Adapted Family Home
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Utilizing thermal blocks and recycled materials, this family home seamlessly integrates with the desert landscape while promoting energy efficiency and community-oriented living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes thermal blocks made from recycled materials for enhanced insulation.
02
Incorporates a rooftop garden for urban agriculture and sustainability.
03
Features expansive glass façades for maximum natural light and connection to the outdoors.
04
Integrates solar power systems designed to support energy independence.
05
Design emphasizes communal living spaces to foster community interaction.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the Dune Project represents an architectural response to the region's desert landscape and urban dynamics. The design is oriented towards ecological sustainability, integrating elements from the natural environment to create a residence that harmonizes with its surroundings. By focusing on a contemporary aesthetic that is functional and energy-efficient, the project aims to provide a model for future residential developments in rapidly urbanizing areas.

## Spatial Organization

The layout of the Dune Project is strategically divided across two primary levels. The ground floor is dedicated to communal and functional spaces, featuring a spacious living and dining area complemented by large glass windows to enhance the connection with the exterior. A well-equipped kitchen integrates smoothly with the dining space, while an adjacent garage provides convenient access. Recreational amenities, such as a swimming pool and relaxation area, are positioned to overlook landscaped gardens, fostering a sense of tranquility.

The first floor prioritizes privacy and wellness, encompassing three bedrooms and a versatile office space that accommodates modern working needs. Wellness features, including a sauna and outdoor terraces, promote health-oriented lifestyles. These design elements are further interconnected through expansive terraces that extend the living space, encouraging family interactions and community engagement.

## Material Selection

The Dune Project makes use of innovative and sustainable materials to support its architectural vision. Recycled wood and plastics form the core insulation framework, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing construction waste. A solar power system with a capacity of 32 kW enables energy independence, supporting electric vehicle charging and regulating indoor temperatures. Extensive glazing is employed to maximize natural light, creating airy interiors that connect residents with the outdoor environment. Thermal blocks, made from recycled materials, provide essential insulation and expedite construction. These material choices reflect a commitment to modern architectural practices while promoting environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

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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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