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Natural Stone and Geometric Forms Integrated with Traditional Mashrabiya in Emirati Family Home

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Natural Stone and Geometric Forms Integrated with Traditional Mashrabiya in Emirati Family Home
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Integrating traditional Mashrabiya screens with geometric forms and natural stone, the residence creates a harmonious environment fostering privacy and spaciousness for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional Mashrabiya screens for natural ventilation and privacy.
02
Utilizes natural stone cladding to enhance durability and aesthetic cohesion.
03
Features a flexible layout that integrates communal and private spaces seamlessly.
04
Includes solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable living.
05
Designed with large glass panels to maximize daylight and outdoor connectivity.

## Overview

Located in the UAE, the residential design project called “Reliability” integrates contemporary architectural practices with traditional Emirati aesthetics. This approach emphasizes the importance of blending modern amenities with the rich cultural context of the region. The design aims to foster a balance between functionality and visual appeal, utilizing a diverse range of materials that honor both modern construction techniques and traditional craftsmanship.

## Design Philosophy and Spatial Organization

The design philosophy focuses on creating an environment that supports family life and entertainment while ensuring privacy. The residence comprises three levels: a ground floor, mezzanine, and first floor, each designed to accommodate a variety of living activities. Key features include the incorporation of Mashrabiya screens for natural ventilation and privacy, alongside dynamic geometric forms that soften the building’s overall appearance. The layout supports interaction and community within the home, with flexible spaces designed for different functions, such as a gym, private offices, and expansive living areas.

## Material Considerations and Sustainability

The material palette comprises natural stone for the exterior, providing durability and an earthy aesthetic, complemented by wood in the Mashrabiya screens and large glass panels for transparency and connectivity to the outdoors. Reinforced concrete serves as the structural foundation, while steel elements enhance the building's strength. The color scheme employs warm tones inspired by the environment, facilitating visual harmony with the surroundings.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, featuring solar panels integrated into the roof to harness renewable energy and a 10,000-liter underground water tank for emergency water supply. The design also utilizes natural ventilation strategies, minimizing the need for air conditioning and contributing to energy efficiency within the hot Emirati climate.

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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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