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Natural Cooling Through Adobe and Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Natural Cooling Through Adobe and Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design
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Harnessing natural ventilation through integrated windcatchers and a central courtyard, this sustainable residence employs adobe and water features to create an efficient living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard enhances natural ventilation and thermal comfort.
02
Integrated windcatchers optimize airflow throughout the interior.
03
Water features contribute to cooling and create a tranquil environment.
04
Adobe construction provides excellent thermal mass for energy efficiency.
05
Lattice facades promote privacy while allowing natural light access.

## Overview
Located in a climate that values both tradition and modernity, the Windcatchers House merges principles of passive cooling with contemporary living. Its design is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture, specifically the use of windcatchers, and revolves around a central courtyard that enhances its microclimate. The layout promotes functional aesthetics while ensuring natural ventilation and thermal comfort throughout the residence.

## Spatial Organization
The Windcatchers House comprises individual zones tailored for various functions. The ground floor features a lobby, living and dining areas, and a service kitchen, with a swimming pool situated in the courtyard to facilitate evaporative cooling. The first floor is dedicated to private bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing residents to enjoy views of the courtyard while maintaining privacy. The basement accommodates a cinema and storage spaces alongside technical systems vital for climate control. This strategic organization supports both community engagement and personal retreat, effectively addressing user needs.

## Materials and Systems
The material selection emphasizes sustainability and performance. Adobe blocks are utilized for their thermal mass properties, while extensive glass elements improve natural lighting and connections to the outdoors. Wood is incorporated within the latticed facades, adding warmth and texture, and durable stone flooring maintains cooler indoor temperatures. Water features are integrated to enhance cooling and provide tranquil spaces.

The design incorporates advanced climate-responsive systems such as a shower cooling mechanism that maintains indoor temperatures with efficient water use and strategically placed openings for optimal cross-ventilation. The overall approach reflects an integration of environmental considerations with cultural relevance, underscoring the dialogue between historical architectural practices and contemporary demands.

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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.

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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