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Rammed Earth and Flexible Spaces Redefine Sustainable Urban Living

Rammed Earth and Flexible Spaces Redefine Sustainable Urban Living
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Emphasizing flexibility and community interaction, the design incorporates rammed earth construction and adaptable modular units to create a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
02
Modular units allow for flexible spatial configurations tailored to residents' needs.
03
Incorporates integrated green areas to enhance biodiversity and community interaction.
04
Employs recyclable steel in structural components for environmental sustainability.
05
Features hydronic thermal tubes for efficient climate control throughout the units.

### Project Overview
Located in Dubai, the "Beyond Walls" housing initiative reinterprets communal living and individual identities within the context of a rapidly urbanizing environment. The design aims to provide innovative housing solutions that prioritize sustainability, cultural heritage, and spatial flexibility, addressing the needs of densely populated communities while enhancing social cohesion.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement
The project features modular housing units designed for adaptability, allowing residents to modify their living spaces to suit evolving family dynamics. This flexibility is achieved through the integration of movable walls, which enable occupants to change room configurations based on daily activities, fostering an interactive and fluid living experience. By strategically placing communal areas alongside private spaces, the design promotes interaction among residents while preserving personal privacy, thereby enhancing community engagement.

### Material Choices and Environmental Considerations
The material selection for the project underscores a commitment to sustainability and local context. Key components include rammed earth for its thermal efficiency, mother of pearl for aesthetic qualities, and recycled steel for structural integrity. Additional elements such as hydronic thermal tubes support efficient climate control, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable technologies, including solar panels and greywater recycling systems, further integrate ecological responsibility into the design, reflecting a holistic approach to modern living in 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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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