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Natural Ventilation and Aggregate Concrete Shape a Sustainable Family Home

Natural Ventilation and Aggregate Concrete Shape a Sustainable Family Home
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Composed of exposed aggregate concrete and strategically designed for natural ventilation, the residence offers adaptable living spaces that prioritize sustainability while catering to family needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for future expansion or reconfiguration based on family needs.
02
Integrated water harvesting system enhances sustainability and addresses local resource management.
03
Exposed aggregate concrete provides durability and texture while minimizing heat gain.
04
Vertical fins create shading and privacy, echoing traditional Emirati architectural elements.
05
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategic airflow design, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, NAWAH embodies an innovative housing model that reflects the region's cultural heritage and environmental considerations. The design prioritizes sustainability and adaptability, addressing the diverse needs of modern families. The project's architecture serves as a narrative of evolution, resonating with both its ecological and cultural context.

## Spatial Organization and User Interaction

NAWAH features a layered spatial layout that facilitates the flow between public and private areas. The integration of courtyards is a key design element, enhancing cross-ventilation and supporting family interactions while providing opportunities for privacy.

The ground floor consists of open-plan living spaces that connect seamlessly to landscaped outdoor areas, promoting a cohesive relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. The first floor is dedicated to personal quarters, ensuring tranquility and privacy, with balconies and terraces that further integrate outdoor living. The basement offers versatile spaces for entertainment and storage, accommodating the possibility of future adaptations.

## Material Selection and Environmental Strategies

The facade of NAWAH utilizes a juxtaposition of exposed aggregate concrete and smooth glass, emphasizing resilience while inviting natural light into the interior. Vertical fins provide shading and privacy, while also referencing regional architectural forms.

Sustainability is central to the design, with features such as integrated water harvesting systems that enhance microclimatic control. Furthermore, the strategic orientation and material selection mitigate heat gain, promoting energy efficiency in the arid climate. The incorporation of solar panels supports renewable energy generation, contributing to the overall sustainability objectives of the building. Reflective materials and extensive planting are included to reduce the urban heat island effect, underscoring a commitment to environmental responsibility.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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