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Perforated Red Brick Facade with Central Atrium and Integrated Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design

Perforated Red Brick Facade with Central Atrium and Integrated Water Features in Sustainable Residential Design
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A perforated red brick facade provides solar shading and privacy while a central atrium enhances natural ventilation, creating an energy-efficient residential space that harmonizes with its desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated facade design provides effective solar shading while maintaining privacy.
02
Central atrium enhances natural ventilation and light distribution throughout the residence.
03
Desert flora landscaping incorporated to support local biodiversity and climate resilience.
04
Utilization of red brick for thermal mass improves energy efficiency in extreme temperatures.
05
Water feature integrated into the design contributes to humidity regulation and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the design of Dar Al Shams integrates contemporary residential architecture within the city’s dynamic cultural and environmental landscape. The project is guided by the intent to explore the interplay between sustainability, heritage, and modern living practices. By acknowledging historical architectural precedents, the design seeks to create a harmonious living environment that resonates with both past and future influences.

### Sustainable Design Approach
A key focus of Dar Al Shams is its commitment to sustainability, employing a combination of passive and active environmental strategies to minimize energy consumption and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The use of traditional materials is combined with modern construction techniques to address the challenges of urban living in a desert climate.

### Material Selection and Spatial Configuration
The material palette reflects a thoughtful selection aimed at durability and aesthetic warmth. Key materials include red brick for thermal mass, expansive glass for natural light, and metal structures for flexible spatial arrangements. The architectural design emphasizes open floor plans and distinct zones that encourage social interaction while maintaining personal privacy. Notable features include a central atrium that facilitates natural ventilation and light, and a sculptural staircase that visually connects different levels of the home.

The exterior façade integrates a perforated screen to balance shading and privacy while contributing to the overall environmental performance. Interior elements, such as water features, enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality, promoting sustainability through increased humidity and visual tranquility.

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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

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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

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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