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Perforated Aluminum Facade and Flexible Spaces Create Harmonious Family Living

Perforated Aluminum Facade and Flexible Spaces Create Harmonious Family Living
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Utilizing a perforated aluminum facade and flexible spatial arrangements, the design fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments while accommodating modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated aluminum panels to enhance light filtration and visual privacy.
02
Incorporates extensive courtyards that promote natural ventilation and outdoor engagement.
03
Features a centrally placed spiral staircase that serves as a visual focal point.
04
Flexible interior spaces designed to adapt to changing family needs over time.
05
Employs local materials for sustainability while reflecting cultural heritage.

### Overview
The "House of the Future" is located in a contemporary urban setting in the UAE, designed to reflect both modern architectural practices and Emirati cultural aesthetics. This multi-level dwelling prioritizes functionality, cultural significance, and sustainable design strategies. The project examines a unique conceptual framework, emphasizing its commitment to creating an environment that enhances family life and community interactions.

### Spatial Organization
The dwelling is organized across three levels to maximize both private and communal areas while maintaining interconnectivity.

- **Ground Level**: This floor includes essential communal spaces, such as the kitchen, dining area, and family rooms, designed to promote interaction while ensuring privacy through thoughtful spatial arrangements. A central spiral staircase acts as both a functional and visual connector between levels.
- **First Floor**: This level features private quarters, including bedrooms and an office, with extensive glazing that invites natural light, fostering a bright, inviting atmosphere and minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.
- **Upper Levels**: The second and third floors are adaptable, allowing for versatile uses such as guest suites, recreational zones, or private retreats. Accessibility is enhanced through the inclusion of a vacuum elevator, facilitating ease of movement across generations.

### Material Selection and Integration
The material palette for the residence merges traditional and contemporary elements to create a durable yet aesthetically pleasing structure.

- **Perforated Aluminum Panels**: These elements adorn the façade, offering a lightweight, decorative façade that enhances the building's visual appeal while mitigating structural load. Their corrosion resistance and ease of installation contribute to cost-effectiveness.
- **Expanded Polystyrene**: This insulation material is integrated within a galvanized steel framework, providing effective thermal management and structural integrity.
- **Glass**: The strategic use of expansive glazing enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting natural light and an open feel.
- **Natural Stone and Tiles**: Incorporating traditional materials, these finishes establish a strong connection to Emirati heritage while delivering timeless elegance.

### Architectural Features
Several defining architectural elements contribute to the home's overall character.

- **Courtyards**: Numerous courtyards facilitate natural ventilation and light penetration, reinforcing connections to the outdoors and incorporating greenery that promotes tranquility.
- **Curvilinear Forms and Cultural Motifs**: The design employs smooth, flowing lines that add an organic quality, contrasting with conventional rigid forms. Intricate surface designs draw inspiration from traditional Emirati arts, skillfully blending historical references with modern expression.

This project exemplifies a carefully considered approach to contemporary residential design, balancing functional requirements with a profound connection to cultural roots and aspirations for the future.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
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The Architect’s 
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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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
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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