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Rammed Earth and Recovered Wood Create a Seamless Blend of Modern Efficiency and Desert Heritage in Residential Design

Rammed Earth and Recovered Wood Create a Seamless Blend of Modern Efficiency and Desert Heritage in Residential Design
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Utilizing rammed earth and recovered wood, this residence seamlessly integrates modern living with traditional architectural principles, addressing climate challenges while providing a comfortable family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for optimal thermal mass and insulation.
02
Incorporates salvaged wood, reducing environmental impact.
03
Features a flexible textile façade that adapts to climate changes.
04
Employs passive ventilation through integrated solar chimney design.
05
Includes a greywater recycling system for efficient water use.

### Architectural Report: Re-Dubai House

#### Overview
Located in Dubai, UAE, the Re-Dubai House is a contemporary residential structure that integrates local heritage with modern sustainability practices. The design draws inspiration from the nomadic traditions of desert dwellers and the aesthetics of Middle Eastern architecture, establishing a connection to cultural values while addressing contemporary living needs. The project prioritizes functionality and ecological responsibility, employing innovative materials and technologies to create a unique architectural identity.

#### Spatial Strategy
The layout of the Re-Dubai House is organized across multiple levels to enhance the interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. The ground floor includes key living areas such as the living room, dining space, and kitchen, which are interconnected with landscaped gardens to facilitate a natural flow. Private spaces are designated to the second level, allowing for privacy while maintaining connectivity. An additional lower floor includes a basement that adds functional space without detracting from the overall design, thereby promoting a balanced relationship between the residence and its surroundings.

#### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials in the Re-Dubai House reflects a commitment to sustainability and local traditions. Recovered construction wood, salvaged from previous structures, offers an environmentally friendly option while reinforcing cultural narratives. The use of rammed earth contributes to thermal mass and insulation, essential for moderating the interior climate in Dubai's heat. Innovative materials such as compressed straw board (Ekopanel) provide lightweight insulation, while perforated metal sheets on the façade enhance ventilation and control sunlight. Moreover, solar panels are installed to harness renewable energy, supported by a water treatment plant that recycles greywater, further minimizing ecological impact. These features underscore a holistic approach to sustainable living within the design.

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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

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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MICROHOME 2026

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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

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Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

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