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Natural Cooling and Low-E Glass Feature in Sustainable Dubai Residence

Natural Cooling and Low-E Glass Feature in Sustainable Dubai Residence
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Utilizing barjeel ventilation towers and Low-E glass, the design maximizes airflow and energy efficiency in a residential space that harmonizes modern living with sustainable practices in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes barjeel ventilation towers to enhance natural airflow.
02
Employs Low-E glazing to minimize heat transfer and boost energy efficiency.
03
Features an internal garden that promotes biodiversity within the living space.
04
Incorporates high-performance brick for superior thermal regulation.
05
Integrates traditional design elements with modern sustainable materials.

## Overview
Located in Dubai, this project embodies a contemporary architectural vision that aligns with sustainable living principles while responding to the region's climatic and cultural context. The design integrates aesthetics and functionality, addressing the unique challenges posed by the local environment.

### Spatial Organization
The layout is strategically divided into three distinct zones: a **Guest Zone**, a **Family Zone**, and a **Service Zone**, each color-coded for clarity within the overall design. This organization promotes an intuitive flow between spaces based on their intended use and proximity to external landscapes. The spatial arrangement enhances both public and private interactions while ensuring a coherent connection with the surrounding area.

### Material Selection and Performance
A focus on sustainability is evident in the choice of materials, which are selected for their thermal efficiency and suitability for the local climate. The design utilizes concrete for its thermal mass capabilities, paired with white Portland cement that reflects sunlight to reduce heat absorption. Additional features include specialized paints that reflect infrared light, double or triple-glazed windows with low emissivity coatings, and high-performance brick and stone. These materials work collectively to maintain an optimal indoor climate while minimizing energy consumption. The integration of solar panels and the consideration of wind patterns within the layout enhance natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Notable features like barjeel ventilation towers reinforce traditional methods of airflow management, complementing the modern design ethos of the residence.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

The Home of 
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Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 14 January 2026
The Architect’s 
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Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 22 January 2026
Re:Form - 
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 4 February 2026
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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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