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Rammed Earth Construction Featuring Natural Textures for Climate Adaptation in Residential Design

Rammed Earth Construction Featuring Natural Textures for Climate Adaptation in Residential Design
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Incorporating rammed earth and large glass panels, this residence achieves thermal efficiency and cultural integration within the context of the UAE's climate, creating a comfortable family living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Features large glass panels strategically placed for natural light and ventilation.
03
Employs traditional building methods while integrating modern construction techniques.
04
Incorporates wooden elements for shading, promoting airflow and aesthetics.
05
Designed with distinct zoning to balance private and communal living spaces.

### Overview
Situated in the United Arab Emirates, the "Rammed Earth" project reflects the region's arid climate and Islamic cultural heritage. The intent is to create a design that responds to local environmental conditions while honoring traditional building techniques. By utilizing sustainable construction methods, the project aims to integrate contemporary architectural practices with the cultural context of its surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Rammed earth serves as the primary construction material, selected for its thermal mass properties that help regulate indoor temperatures. This eco-friendly approach employs natural clay and soil, ensuring that the building resonates with the local landscape. The design also incorporates large glass panels that enhance natural light within the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a harmonious ambiance. Wooden slats offer shading, improve air circulation, and contribute to an organic aesthetic in line with regional design values. Discreet concrete elements provide structural support while contrasting with the earthy textures of rammed earth.

### Spatial Organization
The layout effectively divides the dwelling into two distinct zones: private and public. The private zone includes bedrooms and personal areas, while the public zone encompasses communal spaces such as the living room and kitchen. This zoning strategy not only enhances privacy but promotes a natural flow of movement. The building's façade features staggered volumes and vertical wooden slats, creating visual interest and depth. Additionally, the positioning of the structure in relation to the cardinal directions ensures optimal solar exposure while providing protection against harsh winds, reflecting a careful consideration of energy management and thermal comfort.

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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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