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Perforated Metal Cladding and Travertine Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Courtyard Residence

Perforated Metal Cladding and Travertine Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Living in a Courtyard Residence
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Utilizing perforated metal cladding and travertine facades, the design creates a dialogue between modernity and tradition, optimizing natural ventilation and light while serving as a contemporary family residence in the heart of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facades utilize unique travertine for thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates perforated metal screens inspired by traditional Arab patterns.
03
Courtyard design enhances natural ventilation and outdoor connectivity.
04
Upper level features outdoor terraces, expanding usable living space.
05
Solar panels integrated into the roof optimize energy efficiency.

### Project Overview
Situated in Dubai, a city renowned for its rapid transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis, the BEHOUSE project addresses contemporary residential needs while honoring the region's rich heritage. The design seeks to integrate modern living conditions with traditional values, offering a residential environment that reflects both the historical and cultural context of its location.

### Volume Configuration and Spatial Dynamics
The architectural strategy features two distinct volumes: the lower level, constructed of travertine to maintain a connection with the region's geological history, and the upper volume clad in glass and metal, representing contemporary design principles. This duality fosters both a dialogue between past and present and creates a layered visual effect that enhances the overall aesthetic. The building's layout employs a shift between levels that incorporates a courtyard at the ground level and a covered terrace above, allowing for improved air circulation and visual links among spaces. This design promotes a clear functional zoning between public and private areas, encouraging both privacy and communal interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Key materials utilized in the BEHOUSE project include travertine, glass, and copper-like metal panels. The travertine provides not only thermal benefits but also aesthetic warmth, while the glass facilitates transparency and outdoor connectivity, contributing to energy efficiency. The metal panels serve as an innovative cladding solution, enhancing the structure's modern character. Additionally, the internal partitions utilize lightweight cement and gypsum board, ensuring structural integrity while optimizing space. The design emphasizes sustainability through the incorporation of renewable energy sources, efficient drainage systems, and thoughtful insulation strategies, exemplifying a responsible approach to architectural development within an urban setting.

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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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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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