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Passive Cooling Winds and Clay Bricks in a Contemporary Emirati Villa

Passive Cooling Winds and Clay Bricks in a Contemporary Emirati Villa
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Utilizing passive cooling techniques alongside traditional clay bricks, the villa reinterprets Emirati architectural heritage to create a sustainable family residence that integrates natural elements with contemporary living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates passive cooling through traditional Barjeel windcatchers.
02
Constructed with locally sourced clay bricks for optimal thermal performance.
03
Features panoramic glass facades to enhance natural light and views.
04
Includes adaptable spaces for future expansion based on family needs.
05
Integrates outdoor leisure areas, including a gazebo near the swimming pool.

### Project Overview
This modern villa is situated in New Dubai and draws inspiration from traditional Emirati architectural elements. The design aims to integrate these cultural motifs within a contemporary framework, creating a functional living space that reflects the local context while addressing modern lifestyle needs.

### Design Principles and Spatial Organization
The architectural approach emphasizes comfort and functionality through thoughtful spatial arrangements. The villa's layout promotes both communal interaction and privacy, with the ground floor dedicated to shared areas such as the living and dining rooms, as well as essential service spaces. The first floor focuses on private quarters, including a master suite and additional bedrooms, while the second floor offers flexible space for an office or extra bedrooms, accommodating shifting household dynamics.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A significant aspect of the villa is its commitment to sustainable design through the careful selection of materials. Clay bricks provide thermal insulation and durability, while extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and panoramic views. Wooden elements introduce warmth and contrast to the contemporary design, while structural steel ensures stability. The integration of water features not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to passive cooling strategies.

### Passive Cooling and Energy Efficiency
The villa employs a comprehensive passive cooling system, prominently featuring the *Barjeel*, which facilitates natural airflow and temperature regulation. Automated gates and air filtration systems are incorporated to enhance indoor air quality, while an evaporative water system effectively mitigates thermal discomfort during hotter months. This careful integration of passive solutions works alongside conventional air conditioning, optimizing energy use and occupant comfort.

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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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