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Perforated Facade and Green Roof Enhance the Courtyard Experience in Sustainable Home Design

Perforated Facade and Green Roof Enhance the Courtyard Experience in Sustainable Home Design
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The integration of a perforated facade and a green roof creates a dynamic interplay of light and shade, while the central courtyard fosters communal interaction in a modern residential home designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation throughout the home.
02
A perforated facade provides both privacy and a dynamic play of light and shadow in the interior spaces.
03
Sustainable cooling strategies reduce reliance on mechanical air conditioning for energy efficiency.
04
Local flora is integrated into the landscaping, minimizing water usage and enhancing biodiversity.
05
The use of precast concrete allows for swift construction while ensuring durability and thermal performance.

**Overview and Conceptual Framework**

The Oasis Residence is situated in the United Arab Emirates and is designed to reflect both traditional and contemporary architectural principles, emphasizing a connection to the natural landscape. The core concept revolves around the notion of an "oasis," symbolizing vitality and community. Central to this design is a sunken courtyard that serves as both a private retreat and a communal area, fostering family interactions while paying homage to historical designs prevalent in the region. The residence comprises two main volumes—one dedicated to family living and the other to guest accommodations—linked by shared living spaces that enhance privacy and social connectivity.

**Spatial Organization and Environmental Integration**

The layout of the Oasis Residence centers around a sunken courtyard, providing a visual and physical focal point from various vantage points within the home. The dual-volume structure promotes distinct areas for intimate family use and guest hosting, facilitating both privacy and interaction. The incorporation of water features, including a shallow basin and a central pool, enhances microclimates throughout the site, contributing to thermal comfort and visual aesthetics. The landscaping employs local plant species, which not only supports biodiversity but also strengthens the relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.

**Material Selection and Sustainable Strategies**

The material palette emphasizes precast concrete for its durability and energy efficiency, forming the primary shell of the residence. A perforated façade serves dual functions of regulating airflow and enhancing privacy while providing a rhythmic texture to the exterior. Large glass panels maximize natural light, connecting interior spaces with the exterior environment, while neutral tones reflect sunlight and improve cooling efficiency. Sustainable building practices are evident through the incorporation of natural ventilation strategies and green roofs, which minimize reliance on mechanical cooling systems and promote energy efficiency.

The adaptation of traditional architectural elements, such as the mashrabiya, integrates cultural relevance into the design, ensuring both privacy and effective air circulation while creating dynamic light patterns within the residence. The spatial arrangement effectively links various functional zones, enhancing living quality and accessibility within the home.

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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

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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