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Lattice-Structured Facades with Rainwater Harvesting in Sustainable Desert Living

Lattice-Structured Facades with Rainwater Harvesting in Sustainable Desert Living
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Incorporating lattice-structured facades and rainwater harvesting systems, this sustainable residential project redefines desert living by emphasizing energy efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lattice facades enhance natural ventilation and shading.
02
Rainwater harvesting systems integrate with the landscape design.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide protection against harsh climate extremes.
04
Curvilinear forms blend seamlessly with the surrounding topography.
05
Modular spatial arrangements allow for flexible family configurations.

### Overview
Mayamas Haven is situated in the arid landscapes of the Emirates and focuses on sustainable living through the integration of local ecological and cultural elements. The design aims to foster community engagement while promoting environmental responsibility. By blending modern architectural philosophies with traditional practices, it sets a new standard for residential spaces in desert climates.

### Spatial Configuration
The spatial organization of Mayamas Haven is designed to encourage communal interaction and flexibility. The layout supports various living arrangements, accommodating different family sizes and lifestyles through modular elements. The floor plans facilitate a balance between private and shared spaces, emphasizing both individual privacy and opportunities for social engagement. Additionally, each segment of the structure is optimized for independent functioning, incorporating energy generation and rainwater harvesting capabilities, thus enhancing self-sufficiency.

### Material Selection
Materiality is a cornerstone of the design strategy, utilizing locally sourced resources to ensure harmony with the surrounding environment. The project incorporates local stone for durability, timber for structural warmth, and glass to maximize natural light and outdoor connections. Eco-friendly panels are integrated to facilitate energy generation, underscoring the commitment to sustainable practices. This thoughtful selection not only supports ecological goals but also reinforces the connection to the cultural and geographic context of the site.

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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
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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
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  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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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Design a rain room for Rome

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Design slow sauna in Iceland

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Prize Monetary award
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Final registration deadline 8 April 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 13 May 2026

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Early bird registration deadline 25 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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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026

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