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Minimally Designed Spaces of Mineral Brick and Natural Stone for Sustainable Family Living

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Minimally Designed Spaces of Mineral Brick and Natural Stone for Sustainable Family Living
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Constructed with locally sourced mineral brick and natural stone, this residence integrates sustainable living principles within a circular layout, providing a modern family home designed for community interaction and environmental harmony.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced mineral brick for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates advanced water recycling systems to promote resource efficiency.
03
Features a central majlis designed to facilitate community gatherings and hospitality.
04
The circular layout maximizes accessibility and encourages interaction among residents.
05
Utilizes green walls to integrate natural vegetation within the living environment.

## Project Overview

Dar Emiratia Type No. 1971 is a residential project developed for the "2024 House of the Future Competition" in Dubai. It embodies a contemporary Emirati design ethos, focusing on sustainability and cultural values while enhancing the living experience for Emirati citizens. The project aims to redefine residential spaces by integrating innovative architectural practices with traditional influences, creating an environment that is both functional and respectful of heritage.

## Design Strategies

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency
The design utilizes local, sustainable materials such as mineral-based bricks and lime mortars that provide durability and effective insulation. Advanced window systems are incorporated to optimize thermal performance and reduce energy consumption, while innovative water management systems—including underground geothermal pipes—facilitate cooling and support rainwater recycling. These features collectively contribute to the home's energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The layout consists of well-defined zones, including an outdoor majlis, private family areas, and a kitchen designed to foster social interaction, emphasizing community engagement. The circular configuration promotes accessibility and interaction among spaces while ensuring privacy. Community-focused features, such as shared alleys and communal dining areas, encourage neighborly connections, and outdoor spaces are designed to host a variety of activities, including cultural gatherings. The spatial arrangement also accommodates specific functions with a basement for leisure activities, a main floor central to family interaction, and a second floor designed for privacy with interconnected balconies.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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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