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Perforated Brick Facades and Green Roofs Enhance Sustainability in Residential Design

Perforated Brick Facades and Green Roofs Enhance Sustainability in Residential Design
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Incorporating perforated brick facades and green roofs, this residential design effectively merges traditional courtyard layouts with sustainable building practices to create an inviting and functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates passive cooling strategies through strategically placed perforated brickwork.
02
Utilizes a central courtyard to enhance natural light and promote social interaction.
03
Incorporates a modular construction approach for future adaptability.
04
Features a green roof that supports biodiversity and manages rainwater.
05
Employs solar panels to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability.

### Overview

Haya House is situated in a region marked by severe climatic conditions, reflecting an innovative approach to contemporary Islamic architecture that integrates sustainable practices with traditional design elements. This project draws upon the architectural heritage of the area while responding to modern needs, ultimately aiming to balance functionality with cultural resonance.

### Central Courtyard Design

The layout features a central courtyard, a hallmark of Middle Eastern architecture, which offers a private yet communal space for residents. This area not only facilitates social interaction but also serves as a thermal buffer, promoting natural ventilation and light. The courtyard’s design aligns with the Islamic principle of modesty, creating an inward focus that encourages reflection while protecting inhabitants from external environmental stresses.

### Material and Environmental Strategies

The material palette is carefully selected to enhance both sustainability and aesthetics. Concrete blocks provide structural durability, while glass panels maximize natural light and visibility. The use of perforated brickwork aids in ventilation and privacy, addressing the challenges of heat in the region. Rooftop solar panels support energy needs, and green roofs foster biodiversity and assist in managing rainwater. Additionally, the building incorporates water-harvesting systems, essential for sustaining the interior in a semi-arid context.

The spatial organization promotes functional efficiency, with living and private areas distributed across the first and second floors. This layout emphasizes open spaces that encourage family interaction while maintaining privacy through strategic partitioning. Specially designated rooms, such as a library and home office, cater to the varied needs of residents, reinforcing the building's adaptability.

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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.

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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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