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Passive Cooling Strategy with Roof Ponds and Compressed Earth Blocks Creating Sustainable Living

Passive Cooling Strategy with Roof Ponds and Compressed Earth Blocks Creating Sustainable Living
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Incorporating compressed earth blocks and innovative roof ponds for passive cooling, the design creates a sustainable living environment that harmonizes with the arid landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates roof ponds for passive cooling, enhancing thermoregulation.
02
Constructed with locally sourced compressed earth blocks to minimize environmental impact.
03
Features an innovative layout prioritizing communal living while preserving privacy.
04
Utilizes recycled water systems for efficient resource management.
05
Employs traditional architectural elements to reflect local cultural heritage.

## Overview

Situated in a desert environment, the Desert Rose House is designed to reflect the resilience of the desert rose plant while integrating ecological considerations with local cultural elements. The architectural intent revolves around creating a harmonious relationship between the built form, the natural landscape, and the experiences of its occupants. Through an examination of various design components, materials, and environmental strategies, the project showcases a commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout of the Desert Rose House effectively balances communal and private spaces. Central to this arrangement is the incorporation of courtyards, specifically the sahn, which fosters social interaction while allowing for transitions into more secluded living areas. Arches and shaded zones facilitate fluidity between interior and exterior spaces, aligning with traditional Arabian architectural practices. This spatial organization invites users to engage with both communal and private aspects of living, enhancing the overall experience within the home.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection emphasizes local and sustainable resources to optimize thermal performance and cultural integrity. Key elements include compressed earth blocks for the walls, mud bricks for enhanced insulation, and systems for recycled water use, all of which reduce the overall carbon footprint. Solar panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy efficiency, while frosted glass windows ensure natural light entry with maintained privacy. The innovative inclusion of roof ponds serves as passive cooling mechanisms, utilizing natural processes to regulate indoor temperatures, further underscoring the design's commitment to environmental sustainability.

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The Next House: USA
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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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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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