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Natural Ventilation Through Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Modern Family Residence

Natural Ventilation Through Wind Towers and Sustainable Materials in a Modern Family Residence
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Harnessing natural ventilation through innovative wind towers and sustainable materials, the residence integrates community and privacy to create a modern family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wind towers for enhanced natural ventilation throughout the residence.
02
Incorporates a solar garden on the second floor for sustainable energy production.
03
Features a modular layout that allows for future home expansion without major modifications.
04
Includes dual outdoor kitchens designed for climate-adaptive living.
05
Employs precast concrete panels to streamline construction and reduce waste.

### Overview
Situated in the United Arab Emirates, the design focuses on modern residential needs while respecting cultural values. The objective is to create a versatile home that promotes family interaction and individual privacy through a thoughtful spatial organization, contributing to an environment of both community and personal retreat. The adaptable layout is intended to accommodate the evolving needs of its occupants, ensuring sustainability and longevity.

### Spatial Strategy
The residence features a deliberate organization across three distinct levels:

- **Ground Floor**: Allocated for social and service functions, this level includes a longitudinal corridor that enhances privacy and maximizes natural light. Facilities such as two parking areas, utility spaces, and social gathering zones seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, a dedicated children's play area and landscaped garden encourage interaction with the outdoors.

- **First Floor**: Comprising private bedrooms, each equipped with walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms, this floor is designed for comfort and functionality. The possibility of future expansions has been embedded within the structure, allowing for modifications with minimal impacts on the existing layout.

- **Second Floor**: This level incorporates a home office alongside a solar garden, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. The introduction of a wind tower system enhances natural ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
The project utilizes a carefully selected array of materials that blend contemporary and traditional aesthetics. Key components include:

- **Exposed Concrete**: Provides structural support with a modern visual appeal.
- **Porcelain Floor Tiles**: Chosen for their durability and flexibility in design.
- **Glass Cladding**: Maximizes natural light and connects the interior with the external landscape.
- **Wood Elements**: Introduce warmth and texture, offsetting the cooler tones of concrete.
- **Precast Concrete Panels**: Enable efficient construction methods and are designed to accommodate future modifications.

A prefabrication strategy has been implemented to streamline construction and manage costs, ensuring accessibility for potential homeowners. The design adheres to local regulations while incorporating innovative features like wind towers and photovoltaic solar panels, thereby reflecting a commitment to eco-conscious architecture.

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