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Masonry Vaults and Recycled Concrete Shaping a Community-Centric Residence

Masonry Vaults and Recycled Concrete Shaping a Community-Centric Residence
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Incorporating masonry vaults and recycled concrete to enhance thermal performance, this residence serves as a community-focused living space that elegantly balances traditional Emirati design with modern sustainability practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Masonry vaults enhance natural ventilation and daylight while improving energy efficiency.
02
Recycled concrete reduces material waste and lowers the environmental impact of construction.
03
Aluminum mashrabiya screens provide traditional shading and privacy in a modern context.
04
A multi-functional roof garden supports local biodiversity and urban greening initiatives.
05
3D-printed components streamline construction and allow for customized architectural features.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the D.E.F.G. (Domus of Emirati Future Generation) project integrates sustainable architectural practices with traditional Emirati design principles. The intent is to create a residential prototype that responds to both the climatic conditions and cultural heritage of the region. This initiative seeks to balance contemporary living environments with the contextual nuances of Emirati identity, thereby establishing a coherent architectural language that addresses modern needs while honoring historical traditions.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of D.E.F.G. features a mixed-use layout conducive to family interaction and social engagement. The ground floor is designed with interconnected volumes that include a *majliss*, living areas, kitchen, and outdoor terraces, facilitating fluid movement among residents and visitors. The upper floor is dedicated to private quarters, prioritizing privacy and functionality for its occupants. Key spaces include the *majliss*, which serves as a communal gathering area to strengthen social ties, and an accessible roof garden that provides a multifunctional green space enhancing urban living.

### Materiality and Environmental Performance

D.E.F.G. employs a deliberate selection of materials, combining both traditional and contemporary elements to reflect sustainable design principles. Recycled concrete serves as a primary structural material, while 3D-printed elements reduce material waste and ease construction processes. Aluminum mashrabiya screens reinterpret traditional shading techniques, ensuring visual privacy and climate adaptability. The use of natural stone aids in thermal performance, contributing to the building's environmental efficiency.

Architectural features designed for passive cooling include aerodynamic vaults that facilitate airflow and promote comfort, and wind catchers that enhance natural ventilation. The strategic integration of roof-mounted solar panels supports energy sustainability and emphasizes the project's commitment to environmentally responsible architecture.

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The Next House: USA
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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.

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