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Rammed Earth and Wooden Screens Shape a Central Courtyard for Contemporary Family Living

Rammed Earth and Wooden Screens Shape a Central Courtyard for Contemporary Family Living
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Constructed with rammed earth and enhanced by wooden screens, this residence centers around a communal courtyard, creating a versatile family living space that balances privacy and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced rammed earth for thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates wooden screens for passive cooling and privacy.
03
Features a central courtyard promoting communal living and interaction.
04
Utilizes prefab bathroom modules for quick construction and reduced waste.
05
Integrates solar panels to support energy self-sufficiency.

### Project Overview

Located in an urban environment, the Courtyard House aims to blend contemporary living with traditional design principles, emphasizing both community engagement and individual family needs. The intent of the design is to create a modern living space that fosters interaction among residents while reflecting regional cultural heritage. The project prioritizes sustainability, providing a luxurious yet functional dwelling tailored for evolving family dynamics.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

Central to the design is an innovative interpretation of the traditional courtyard, which serves as both a private retreat and a space for communal activities. The layout encourages natural light and vegetation, enhancing family well-being and promoting outdoor engagement. The interior spaces are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing areas such as the dining room to adapt for different uses, accommodating a variety of family activities and gatherings.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The selection of materials for the Courtyard House underscores both ecological responsibility and local cultural relevance. Key materials include precast rammed earth for its thermal efficiency and low environmental impact, as well as steel-concrete composite systems that optimize construction processes. Additional elements, such as prefabricated bathroom modules and waterproof roofing panels, further enhance durability and sustainability. Incorporating photovoltaic panels facilitates energy generation, while decorative mashrabiya screens offer passive cooling and aesthetic value, echoing traditional architectural themes while promoting privacy.

The design also incorporates systems for rainwater collection and natural ventilation, effectively minimizing the building's carbon footprint and reinforcing its environmental commitment. Pathways and communal gardens are strategically integrated to promote social interaction among residents, thus fostering a sense of community within the architectural framework.

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The Next House: USA
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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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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