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Rammed Earth and Building Mud Residence with Integrated Solar Solutions

Rammed Earth and Building Mud Residence with Integrated Solar Solutions
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Constructed with rammed earth and building mud, this residence seamlessly integrates solar solutions to create a sustainable environment designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with locally sourced rammed earth, enhancing thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
The design incorporates traditional Islamic arches to improve airflow and natural lighting.
03
Strategic integration of solar panels minimizes energy consumption while promoting sustainability.
04
A dedicated Majlis area facilitates cultural gatherings and social interactions.
05
Indoor and outdoor spaces are seamlessly connected through open layouts and green landscaping.

## Overview

The project is situated in the United Arab Emirates and is designed for a local Emirati family, emphasizing a blend of cultural heritage and modern architecture within an environmentally responsive framework. The design draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, integrating elements such as arches that enhance airflow and allow natural light to penetrate interior spaces. The intent is to create a living environment that balances comfort, innovation, and a deep respect for the surrounding cultural context.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is carefully organized to meet the social and privacy requirements of the Emirati lifestyle. Key design features include a prominently located Majlis, which serves as a separate gathering space for guests, allowing for social interactions in a culturally sensitive manner. The open design of living and dining areas promotes airflow and connectivity with the outdoors, while dedicated green spaces and landscaped backyards enhance the residential experience and support ecological sustainability. Additionally, strategic voids between spaces are incorporated to facilitate natural cooling, crucial for the region's climate.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials are thoughtfully chosen to reflect both traditional practices and contemporary sustainability principles. The construction includes rammed earth and building mud, both known for their thermal regulation qualities and cultural significance. Concrete and stone enhance structural integrity while providing durability. The design also features recycled concrete, emphasizing an eco-friendly approach. Solar panels are integrated to reduce energy dependence, along with systems for water management and waste reduction to minimize the environmental impact. The overall material palette employs lighter tones to improve reflectivity and cooling efficiency, aligning with the demands of the hot Emirati climate.

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Enter an open architecture
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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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Design a home with no artificial lighting

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The Architect’s 
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MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

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Early bird registration deadline 11 February 2026
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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