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Natural Wood Integration with Courtyard Gardens and Sustainable Materials in Family Living Spaces

Natural Wood Integration with Courtyard Gardens and Sustainable Materials in Family Living Spaces
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Utilizing modular construction techniques and a network of interconnected garden spaces, the design emphasizes sustainability through native plant landscapes and durable materials, creating adaptable family living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes modular elements to allow for flexible living arrangements.
02
Integrates native plant gardens to enhance local biodiversity.
03
Incorporates passive cooling strategies for energy efficiency.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
05
Features interconnected courtyards that promote community engagement.

### Overview

The Seven Gardens project is located in the United Arab Emirates and addresses the contemporary needs of Emirati living by merging modern architectural principles with traditional cultural values. The design emphasizes a balance between built and natural environments, showcasing the importance of gardens and courtyards as functional and visually appealing communal spaces.

### Spatial Interconnectivity

At the core of the design is the concept of layering and interconnectedness, reflecting the significance of community and family in Emirati culture. The plan features a series of courtyards that encourage social interaction while delineating private and public domains. These courtyards not only serve various functional roles but also promote a nurturing environment for growth and communal bonding. The central courtyard connects different modules of the house, offering a cohesive organizational framework that highlights both form and function.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The architectural composition employs a mix of materials, each chosen to resonate with both durability and aesthetic harmony. Concrete forms the structural walls, ensuring longevity, while wood enhances warmth in window frames and decorative details. Brick cladding on the exterior promotes thermal efficiency, and expansive glass surfaces foster visual connections with the gardens. Natural stone is used extensively for flooring and wall treatments, establishing a tactile relationship with the environment. Carefully curated gardens incorporate native plants suited to the local climate, providing ecological benefits and promoting self-sufficiency.

In terms of sustainability, the project incorporates passive cooling techniques and water-efficient landscaping that respect the arid desert context. Modular design elements facilitate adaptability, allowing the living spaces to accommodate evolving family dynamics, thus aligning with local customs of multi-generational living. The gardens additionally serve practical functions, enabling residents to cultivate traditional herbs and vegetables, further emphasizing a commitment to environmental responsibility and cultural heritage.

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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

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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