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Marble Interiors and Mashrabiya Screens in a Sustainable Tropical Residence

Marble Interiors and Mashrabiya Screens in a Sustainable Tropical Residence
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Crafted with marble finishes and shaded by intricate mashrabiya screens, the residence seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces while addressing the demands of sustainable tropical living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional mashrabiya screens for shading and privacy while allowing airflow.
02
Utilizes triple-glazed aluminum windows to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
03
Features a rooftop photovoltaic system for sustainable energy generation.
04
Integrates natural stone finishes for a cohesive connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes a dedicated ventilation tower to promote natural air circulation throughout the space.

### Project Overview

The design is situated in a region characterized by warm and humid climatic conditions, likely influenced by coastal or subtropical environments. Reflecting both contemporary living and cultural aesthetics, the project integrates traditional architectural principles with modern needs, focusing on a balance of form and function.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout prioritizes openness and connectivity with nature, facilitating an interactive living environment. Ground-level social spaces are designed to flow into outdoor areas, featuring large windows for natural light and cross-ventilation. The organization of the space is segmented into distinct zones: private quarters, guest areas, and service functions, enhancing accessibility and ease of movement. This zoning is further complemented by an elevation strategy that maintains privacy while offering views of the surrounding landscape.

#### Materiality and Sustainability

The project's material palette plays a crucial role in defining its aesthetic and functional qualities. Reinforced concrete offers structural stability, while marble interiors provide an elegant finish. The extensive use of glass enhances transparency and fosters a visual connection with the outdoors. Aluminum frames with triple glazing maximize thermal efficiency. Additionally, traditional Mashrabiya screens serve both functional and cultural roles, offering shade while paying homage to architectural heritage.

Sustainability is addressed through the implementation of a rooftop photovoltaic system for solar energy collection and a rainwater harvesting strategy. Passive cooling techniques utilizing natural materials further underscore the commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring the design remains responsive to ecological considerations.

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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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