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Lattice Facades and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Residence

Lattice Facades and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Residence
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Incorporating lattice facades and wind catchers, this residence harmonizes traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern sustainable practices to create a functional family living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind catchers for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes lattice screens for light control and privacy.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Integrates a bent A-frame design for aesthetic and functional resilience.
05
Emphasizes communal spaces to strengthen family interactions.

## Project Overview
Located in the UAE, the residential design emphasizes a harmonious living environment for Emirati citizens. The project aims to redefine traditional living spaces by integrating sustainable practices within a modern architectural framework. This approach prioritizes ample natural light, effective ventilation, and a renewed interpretation of cultural elements to enhance resident quality of life.

## Spatial Strategy
The design features a multi-level layout that fosters both independence and connectivity among spaces. Open floor plans effectively merge living, dining, and kitchen areas, allowing for fluid movement throughout the residence. Strategic placement of windows and ventilation openings minimizes heat gain while maximizing natural light, contributing to overall comfort and energy efficiency. Landscaped areas promote micro-ecosystems that incorporate local flora, thereby establishing a connection to the surrounding environment.

## Materiality and Cultural Integration
Material selection plays a pivotal role in achieving both aesthetic and functional objectives. Durable concrete provides structural integrity, while wooden elements in shading devices introduce warmth. Extensive use of glass enhances visual connectivity with the outdoors, and metal accents contribute to a streamlined modern aesthetic. Noteworthy features include wind catchers, which improve airflow and pay homage to traditional climate-control methods, and lattice screens that create dynamic shadow patterns on the facade, merging cultural nuances with contemporary design principles.

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

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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