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Limestone and Coconut Fiber Reshape a Sustainable Family Habitat in Dubai

Limestone and Coconut Fiber Reshape a Sustainable Family Habitat in Dubai
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Utilizing locally sourced limestone and innovative coconut fiber insulation, the design creates a sustainable family residence that emphasizes community connection and environmental harmony in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled steel framing for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Integrates locally sourced limestone for thermal mass and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates coconut fiber as an eco-friendly insulation material.
04
Features a unique dual access design for enhanced privacy and convenience.
05
Establishes a central courtyard to promote community interaction and biophilic design.

**Overview**
Located in Dubai, this project seeks to create a customizable and sustainable living environment that prioritizes communal interaction while respecting local traditions and ecological principles. With a focus on family life, the design integrates innovative solutions that emphasize adaptability and user engagement in both indoor and outdoor settings.

**Spatial Strategy**
The layout is notably organized around a vertical arrangement that distinctly separates private and communal areas. Bedrooms are positioned on the upper floor to ensure privacy, while the ground level accommodates shared spaces such as the kitchen and living areas. This arrangement balances intimacy with opportunities for family gatherings. The entrance features dual access points for guests and domestic staff, facilitating efficient circulation within the home. The use of mirrored glass enhances natural light penetration while maintaining occupants' privacy, creating a sense of openness.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The material choices reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Recycled steel serves as the primary structural framework, promoting durability and recyclability. Limestone plates sourced from the Hajar Mountains lend both traditional elegance and modern eco-consciousness, while locally-sourced clay helps regulate interior climates, supporting an environmentally friendly approach. Coconut fiber insulation contributes to energy conservation and lifecycle sustainability. Additionally, biophilic elements, such as a courtyard garden filled with palm trees, enhance the microclimate, providing a cooling effect and promoting biodiversity within the urban context. Solar panels and hydropanels further reinforce the home's self-sustainable capabilities by harnessing solar energy and capturing atmospheric moisture for drinking water.

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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.

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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