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Living Walls and Natural Stone in a Sustainable Desert Dwelling
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Integrating living walls with natural stone, this sustainable dwelling adapts to the desert climate while fostering community interaction in a thoughtfully designed residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates living walls that enhance insulation and air quality.
02
Utilizes natural stone sourced locally to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features an innovative irrigation system designed for desert sustainability.
04
Integrates multiple roof gardens to expand usable outdoor space.
05
Prioritizes communal courtyard areas to foster social interaction.

## Concept Overview
This project presents a modern villa that draws inspiration from the historical Hanging Gardens of Babylon, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The design seeks to integrate natural elements with sustainable architectural practices, carefully addressing the challenges posed by a desert climate. By incorporating aesthetic and ecological principles from ancient Mesopotamian architecture, the project aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and nature.

## Spatial Integration
The villa emphasizes extensive greenery through living walls and courtyards, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. Centralized protected squares are designed as communal gathering spaces, enhancing social interaction while providing refuge from the sun. Multiple roof terraces create additional outdoor areas, offering valuable green space while affording views of the surrounding landscape. Water features, such as pools and fountains, not only serve as visual focal points but also play a critical role in regulating the microclimate, ensuring comfort in warmer temperatures.

## Material Selection
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the villa. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is utilized for façade elements due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Clay, a natural and versatile building material, contributes to temperature regulation and humidity control. Natural stone is selected for its strength and local availability, providing a unique character to the design while minimizing environmental impact. Each material supports the project's goals of ecological harmony and resilience.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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