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Natural Stone Facade and Passive Cooling Through a Unique Malaqf Design

Natural Stone Facade and Passive Cooling Through a Unique Malaqf Design
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Utilizing local limestone and a traditional Malaqf system, the design maximizes natural ventilation and light while accommodating diverse family interactions within a modern residential layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional Malaqf system to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates local limestone for aesthetic and environmental integration.
03
Features flexible interior layouts that adapt to changing family needs.
04
Includes vertical landscaping to support biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Design emphasizes seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview

Located in a culturally rich context, the project represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural values with a focus on sustainability and human-centric design. Drawing from the Arab heritage, it incorporates the 'Malaqf' concept to enhance natural ventilation and improve the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The design aims to create a family-friendly space that is inclusive and adaptable to individuals of various ages and abilities.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The architectural layout is organized into distinct zones that encourage both communal interaction and private retreat. The ground floor features expansive living areas, including a combined living room and kitchen, designed for social gatherings. The first floor houses private family quarters, ensuring a balance between shared and individual spaces. Additionally, the configuration allows for the potential reconfiguration of interiors via movable partitions, accommodating evolving family dynamics while maintaining functional integrity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices reflect a deliberate blend of modern and traditional elements, with an emphasis on sustainability and durability. Reinforced concrete forms the primary structural base, providing robustness suitable for various finishes. Natural stone, specifically local limestone, is utilized in façade treatments, reinforcing the building’s connection to its geographical context. Expansive glass sliding doors facilitate natural light and enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity. Furthermore, wood accents in interiors contribute warmth and a tactile quality to the overall environment.

The design incorporates the 'Malaqf' system for passive cooling, effectively managing airflow to reduce dependency on mechanical cooling methods. Vertical landscaping elements, such as terrace planters, strengthen the relationship with nature and contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect. The result is a dwelling that prioritizes well-being through thoughtful interaction with its surroundings.

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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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