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Passive Cooling Through Mashrabiya Screens and Mud Brick Construction in a Sustainable Residential Villa

Passive Cooling Through Mashrabiya Screens and Mud Brick Construction in a Sustainable Residential Villa
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Utilizing traditional mud brick construction and dynamic mashrabiya screens, this villa effectively incorporates passive cooling strategies while providing a sustainable living space in a culturally responsive residential design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional mud bricks for enhanced thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Incorporates dynamic mashrabiya screens to optimize natural ventilation and light control.
03
Features strategically placed barjeer for passive cooling and air circulation.
04
Employs local coral stone for aesthetic and environmental integration.
05
Includes greywater reuse systems to support water conservation efforts.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, this modern family villa exemplifies a harmonious integration of cultural heritage and contemporary architectural practices, addressing the region's climatic challenges while embodying sustainable design principles. The project draws inspiration from the traditional architectural vocabulary of the United Arab Emirates, employing innovative methodologies to create an energy-efficient home that resonates with local traditions.

### Material Selection and Climatic Adaptation
The choice of materials reflects both practicality and aesthetic intent, incorporating concrete for structural integrity, mud bricks for thermal insulation, and locally sourced coral stones that strengthen the connection to the regional landscape. Wood elements enhance warmth in the decor, while strategically placed glass maximizes natural light without compromising energy performance. The architectural design addresses Dubai's high solar radiation through thoughtful orientation and zoning, utilizing mashrabiya screens on critical facades to diffuse sunlight while allowing for ventilation and views.

### Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is central to the villa’s design, featuring photovoltaic systems for energy production and greywater systems for water reuse, thus promoting resource efficiency within the context of local water scarcity. The implementation of barjeer (wind towers) facilitates natural ventilation, enhancing indoor comfort and minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. The design also incorporates distinct access points to balance accessibility and privacy, with flexible spaces that allow for future expansion, ensuring the villa adapts to changing family needs while maintaining its functionality.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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