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Palm Fiber Canopy Enhances Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Family Residence
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Incorporating a palm fiber canopy for moisture collection and traditional wind towers for ventilation, the residence optimizes environmental performance while fostering familial connectivity in a sustainable dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a palm fiber canopy designed to enhance moisture collection.
02
Features traditional wind towers for passive ventilation, maintaining indoor comfort.
03
Utilizes rice husk cement for reduced environmental impact during construction.
04
Includes flexible spatial configurations that adapt to changing family needs.
05
Emphasizes communal areas that foster social interaction and family connectivity.

# Analytical Report on The Vortex "Dawaama House"

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Vortex "Dawaama House" exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to the climatic and cultural intricacies of the region. The design emphasizes not only environmental sustainability but also promotes communal interaction, aligning with the needs of modern Emirati family life. The project addresses the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and resource constraints while enhancing the social fabric of its surroundings.

## Design Strategy

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Vortex is structured into distinct yet interconnected zones tailored to accommodate the various demands of everyday life. Private sleeping quarters provide comfort and serenity, while well-organized service areas, including kitchens, streamline household operations. The central living space, reminiscent of the traditional "majlis," plays a crucial role in fostering family connections and social gatherings, thereby reinforcing the importance of communal living.

### Material Use and Sustainability

A conscious selection of materials underpins the building’s design philosophy. The primary use of concrete ensures structural robustness, while the incorporation of palm fiber in fog collectors highlights a commitment to local resources and environmental sustainability. Hydrophobic coatings ensure effective weather resistance and maintenance, and innovative materials such as rice husk cement reduce the overall carbon footprint of construction. This careful consideration of materiality reflects a harmonious balance between modern architectural practices and traditional techniques, ultimately supporting the project’s sustainable ethos.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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