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Passive Cooling Techniques with Perforated Screens and Compressed Sand Blocks for Desert Living

Passive Cooling Techniques with Perforated Screens and Compressed Sand Blocks for Desert Living
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Utilizing traditional passive cooling methods through perforated screens and compressed sand blocks, this residence achieves a sustainable and comfortable living environment in a desert setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with integrated passive cooling utilizing a traditional yakhchal system.
02
Incorporates perforated screens for natural ventilation and light control.
03
Constructed with compressed sand blocks for enhanced thermal mass.
04
Features landscaped veins that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Utilizes advanced wind flow management systems for efficient airflow.

### Project Overview
The House of Future is situated in a desert context, reflecting the interplay between modern architectural practices and traditional desert aesthetics. It is designed to respond to contemporary lifestyle needs while considering environmental challenges. This project aims to create a living environment that maintains cultural significance while embracing sustainable solutions.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The design prioritizes the relationship between private and communal spaces, fostering interaction among occupants while ensuring privacy. The ground floor features multifunctional areas that can adapt to various uses, promoting versatility within the home. The upper level includes terraces that encourage outdoor engagement, enhancing the overall livability. Strategic orientation of the building maximizes natural light penetration, thereby reducing dependence on artificial lighting and improving occupants' well-being.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design, with materials selected for their ecological footprint and functional performance. Compressed sand blocks and perforated screens are utilized for their thermal efficiency and air circulation benefits. Traditional elements such as the yakhchal are incorporated to leverage passive cooling strategies. Additional features include integrated water harvesting systems and solar panels that support renewable energy generation. Wind louvers are employed to optimize airflow, contributing to thermal regulation and minimizing energy consumption.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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