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Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Limestone Facade in a Residential Courtyard Design

Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Limestone Facade in a Residential Courtyard Design
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Utilizing a double roof system and natural ventilation, this residential structure integrates sustainable limestone and rammed earth materials, fostering energy efficiency within a culturally resonant courtyard design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique double roof system for improved thermal regulation.
02
Incorporates traditional wind catchers to enhance natural airflow.
03
Features a central courtyard that integrates outdoor and indoor living.
04
Constructed with sustainably sourced local materials, including rammed earth.
05
Includes dynamic kinetic louvers for effective sun and heat control.

### Concept Overview

Located within the Emirati context, the design seeks to integrate sustainable living practices with cultural identity, enhancing energy efficiency while reflecting traditional and modern architectural elements. This approach fosters a living environment that responds to both contemporary needs and historical context.

### Structural Form and Cultural Integration

The design evolves from an initial cubic form, modified through subtractive techniques to incorporate traditional Emirati architectural features. Key morphological elements include a bent entrance that enhances privacy while creating an inviting approach, a central courtyard that facilitates natural cooling and ventilation, and wind catchers that enhance indoor comfort. Cultural motifs, such as mashrabiyas, contribute to both aesthetic value and functionality by optimizing privacy and controlling sunlight.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project prioritizes the use of local and sustainable materials, such as limestone for thermal regulation, rammed earth for its favorable thermal properties, and palm reed wood for privacy screens. Innovative elements include photovoltaic panels for energy self-sufficiency, double-layered glass to reduce thermal gain while maximizing daylight, and kinetic louvers for temperature management. A double roof system and a water conservation strategy with greywater recycling further contribute to the building's sustainability and ecological efficiency.

The internal layout is designed to encourage efficient circulation and community interaction, featuring family gathering spaces and private bedrooms with attached baths that utilize indirect daylighting. Biophilic design principles are evident in the incorporation of landscaped courtyards and ventilation strategies that enhance indoor air quality and promote mental well-being.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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