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Natural Wood Brown Façade Enhanced by Cob Walls in a Sustainable Residential Design

Natural Wood Brown Façade Enhanced by Cob Walls in a Sustainable Residential Design
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Constructed with a façade of natural wood brown and cob walls, the design emphasizes sustainable materials and integrates traditional Emirati features to create a functional residential space that prioritizes community and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced cob to enhance thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates a Majlis to reflect cultural traditions of communal living.
03
Employs 3D printing techniques for unique architectural elements.
04
Features low-e glass to optimize light while minimizing heat gain.
05
Utilizes a layout designed for passive ventilation and natural airflow.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future presents a contemporary residential design that integrates advanced construction methods with Emirati cultural traditions. Utilizing 3D construction technology, the project aims to fulfill modern residential needs while reflecting the local context. Central to its design intent is a commitment to sustainability, adaptability, and cultural resonance, ensuring that the dwelling meets the demands of today's occupants without compromising its environmental or cultural integrity.

### Sustainability and Material Innovation

The project prioritizes the use of environmentally responsible materials, including green concrete, cob, recycled steel, and reclaimed materials such as metal, glass, and clay bricks. Green concrete and cob enhance thermal insulation and reduce the carbon footprint associated with conventional building materials, while recycled elements contribute to resource efficiency and waste reduction. Through these choices, the design seeks to minimize environmental impact while incorporating aesthetics that resonate with local craftsmanship and heritage.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout is deliberately crafted to ensure privacy and cultural sensitivity, hallmarks of Emirati residential design. Key features include courtyards that promote social interaction while providing private retreats, and room arrangements optimized for natural ventilation and light. The building's exterior façade mirrors the contours of the desert landscape through 3D-printed features that enhance passive cooling. Interior spaces are designed with functionality in mind, offering areas such as a Majlis that facilitate communal living, and living rooms that connect to central courtyards, allowing for a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

Additionally, exterior elements, such as native landscaping and rooftop solar panels, integrate sustainability into the living environment, demonstrating modern technological solutions alongside traditional design principles.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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