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Palm Wood and Concrete Blend in a Flexible Modular Residence Promoting Communal Living

Palm Wood and Concrete Blend in a Flexible Modular Residence Promoting Communal Living
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Utilizing palm wood and concrete, this modular residence integrates communal gathering spaces with private living quarters, fostering social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced palm wood for structural elements, enhancing cultural significance.
02
Features modular design allowing for future expansion based on family needs.
03
Incorporates extensive overhangs for passive cooling in the hot climate.
04
Includes multi-functional spaces that support both private and communal activities.
05
Employs sustainable materials like concrete and glass to improve energy efficiency.

### Project Overview

"Baiti-Baitak," translating to "My Home is Your Home," is a modern Emirati residential design that aims to enhance communal living while ensuring individual privacy. Situated within a contemporary neighborhood context, the project thoughtfully integrates traditional Emirati hospitality concepts with modern architectural practices, promoting community engagement through deliberate spatial organization.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The layout features a strategic division into core modules, with clear distinctions between private and communal areas. The ground floor of each unit encompasses open-plan living spaces and essential service areas, while the upper floors are designated for private bedrooms, ensuring a balance between social interaction and personal retreat. Communal terraces and inviting entrances foster interaction among residents and emphasize the importance of shared experiences within the living environment.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The design employs a selection of materials that reflect local craftsmanship and environmental sustainability. Concrete provides essential structural integrity, while sustainably sourced palm wood signifies cultural heritage and serves practical purposes such as shading and insulation. Large windows of glass facilitate natural daylight and establish a connection to the outdoor environment, complemented by aluminum window frames that enhance durability and thermal efficiency. This careful material selection contributes not only to the aesthetic appeal but also to the building’s energy performance, with solar panels on the roofs underscoring a commitment to sustainable living practices in alignment with the region's climate.

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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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