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Rammed Earth and Iroko Wood Blend in a Sustainable Urban Community Design

Rammed Earth and Iroko Wood Blend in a Sustainable Urban Community Design
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Constructed with rammed earth and Iroko wood, this sustainable urban community emphasizes natural ventilation and shared spaces, fostering a cohesive living environment for families in an arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Developed using rammed earth, enhancing thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates traditional mashrabiyya screens for natural ventilation and privacy.
03
Features a community courtyard designed to facilitate social interaction.
04
Utilizes Iroko wood for durability and aesthetic appeal in structural elements.
05
Includes green roofs to promote biodiversity and insulation.

## Overview
Located in the Nad Al Sheba neighborhood of Dubai, the Dubai Habitat project exemplifies a commitment to sustainable living and cultural integration within the context of contemporary architecture. The design promotes innovative technology while honoring traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements, aiming to create a community-oriented environment that addresses the specific challenges of urban dwelling in arid climates.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Interaction
Adaptive living spaces define the project’s spatial organization, which features interconnected layouts designed to enhance openness and facilitate airflow. The integration of voids throughout the structure not only encourages natural light but also improves climatic comfort. Traditional elements such as windcatchers and courtyards are incorporated to leverage passive cooling techniques and foster social connectivity among residents. These features are complemented by modular housing configurations that allow for customization, thereby accommodating diverse family sizes while reinforcing communal living.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects both sustainability and aesthetic considerations. Iroko wood, noted for its durability, forms essential structural and decorative elements. White precast concrete provides structural integrity along with energy efficiency through thermal massing. Rammed earth concrete enhances thermal performance and aligns with local vernacular architecture principles. Additional sustainable features include brown roofs and vegetable gardens that promote biodiversity and insulation benefits, while mashrabiyya screens offer privacy and enhance ventilation in a desert environment. Energy generation is supported by solar panels, including an innovative spherical sun power generator, and a vortex bladeless turbine, which provides environmentally friendly energy solutions with lower maintenance requirements.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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