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Natural Cooling Through Terra Cotta and Concrete in a Flexible Residential Design

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Natural Cooling Through Terra Cotta and Concrete in a Flexible Residential Design
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Harnessing the cooling capabilities of a modern windcatcher and utilizing durable terra cotta and concrete, this residence exemplifies a design focused on sustainability and adaptability for desert living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a modern windcatcher to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes local terra cotta for improved thermal regulation.
03
Features a flexible layout that adapts to varying occupant needs.
04
Integrates a water harvesting system for landscape irrigation.
05
Showcases extensive use of concrete for structural and aesthetic purposes.

### Project Overview

Located in a desert environment, the Void Windcatcher House merges traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements with contemporary design principles centered on sustainability. The project incorporates a reinterpretation of the ‘windcatcher’ feature to enhance natural ventilation and contribute to energy-efficient living. The design prioritizes the relationship between solid and void spaces, fostering an interactive residential environment that emphasizes ecological responsibility and cultural context.

### Spatial Organization and Adaptability

The spatial organization of the Void Windcatcher House employs a modular layout that allows for flexible arrangements tailored to the occupants' needs. Ground and first floors are designed with adaptability in mind, permitting various configurations that balance communal and private areas. Central courtyards serve as pivotal connections between living spaces, facilitating privacy while encouraging community interaction through shared open spaces. This layout supports dynamic living environments, accommodating changing lifestyles over time.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette integrates concrete for durability and thermal mass, wood for warmth in interior finishes, and glass to enhance natural light and transparency. Terra cotta cladding contributes to thermal management while reflecting local craftsmanship. Renewable energy generation is facilitated through the use of silicon-based solar panels. Sustainable design strategies include natural ventilation methods, innovative water management systems, and thermal performance considerations, all aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental stewardship.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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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

`
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
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