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Modular Family Residences Featuring Sustainable Sandstone and Reinforced Concrete Design Elements

Modular Family Residences Featuring Sustainable Sandstone and Reinforced Concrete Design Elements
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Combining modular wall systems with traditional arabesque patterns and sustainable materials, the design offers a flexible living space tailored for contemporary family needs in a desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular wall systems enable future adaptability to evolving family needs.
02
Architectural features include intricate arabesque patterns for sunlight diffusion and privacy.
03
Sustainable materials such as sandstone and locally sourced wood enhance durability.
04
Open-plan layouts promote natural ventilation and a seamless connection to the outdoors.
05
Design incorporates renewable energy solutions, including provisions for solar panels.

## Project Overview

Maskan is a residential project located in the United Arab Emirates, designed specifically for Abrahamic families. The project aims to integrate modern functionality with traditional architectural elements, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. This design focuses on adaptability, creating living spaces that respond effectively to the changing needs of its residents while emphasizing cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

### Spatial Flexibility

The design incorporates a modular framework that allows for reconfiguration and expansion, utilizing three distinct wall module sizes: small, medium, and large. This approach provides spatial flexibility, facilitating adjustments to meet varying family dynamics and requirements without sacrificing aesthetic quality. The implementation of expansive glass walls establishes a connection between the interiors and the surrounding landscape, maximizing natural light and promoting an engaging living environment.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

Maskan's architectural elements include a facade adorned with intricate arabesque patterns, which function to filter sunlight and enhance privacy while referencing traditional Islamic art. The structural form features reinforced concrete arches that provide both stability and fluidity in spatial organization. The choice of sustainable materials, including sandstone, wood, and metal, further supports the project’s commitment to durability and cultural relevance. Additionally, the roof is designed to accommodate solar panels, reinforcing the emphasis on renewable energy solutions and minimizing the building's carbon footprint.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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