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Rammed Earth and Wind Tower Integration in a Modern Courtyard Habitat
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Integrating rammed earth construction with a wind tower and traditional Al Mashrabiyah, the design creates a flexible living environment focused on sustainability and cultural resonance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a wind tower design to enhance natural ventilation and cooling.
02
Utilizes rammed earth walls for thermal regulation and sustainability.
03
Features modular and retractable walls for versatile spatial configurations.
04
Incorporates traditional Al Mashrabiyah for privacy and light diffusion.
05
Emphasizes a modern interpretation of the Emirati courtyard for community interaction.

### Overview

The Adaptive Temple is located in Dubai, UAE, and is designed to integrate contemporary architectural principles with traditional Emirati cultural elements. The intent is to create functional spaces that facilitate a dialogue between environmental sustainability and cultural heritage. Its adaptable design accommodates various urban contexts, from residential neighborhoods to high-rise environments, responding to diverse plot sizes and configurations.

### Spatial Organization

Central to the design is the Adapting Courtyard, a modular space that serves as a flexible intermediary between indoor and outdoor areas. This courtyard features retractable walls that allow for dynamic configurations, enhancing privacy and openness according to user requirements. The Iwan, acting as a transition space, links the interior with the surroundings while embodying traditional architectural motifs. Additionally, the wind tower is strategically incorporated to improve natural ventilation, guiding cooler air into the living areas while facilitating the escape of hot air from the courtyard, thereby demonstrating a bioclimatic approach to temperature regulation.

### Material Use and Sustainability

The project employs a variety of sustainable materials that contribute to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Rammed earth is utilized for its thermal mass, aiding in temperature regulation and minimizing reliance on artificial cooling. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while glass elements optimize natural light without sacrificing thermal comfort. Wood and natural stone are incorporated to enhance the tactile qualities of the interior and exterior spaces, respectively. Collectively, these materials reflect a commitment to sustainable practices, including the integration of solar panels and graywater recycling systems, promoting eco-friendly living within a desert climate.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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