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Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Water Features Enhancing Domestic Comfort

Rammed Earth Construction with Integrated Water Features Enhancing Domestic Comfort
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Utilizing rammed earth and reflective water features, the residence achieves thermal efficiency and aesthetic harmony while fostering intimate indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth construction for enhanced thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates reflective water features that optimize passive cooling throughout the home.
03
Features a Majlis designed as a central social hub, promoting family and community engagement.
04
Integrates indoor gardens to enhance air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
05
Employs large windows to maximize natural light while framing views of outdoor landscapes.

# Barjeel House: Architectural Report

## Overview
Located in a culturally significant region, Barjeel House embodies a modern architectural approach that integrates traditional design elements with contemporary needs. Serving as both a residence for a modern family and a representation of local heritage and community values, the project's design intentionally reflects the historical and cultural contexts of its surroundings while prioritizing functionality.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience
Designed on a 450 square meter plot, Barjeel House spans two floors, meticulously organizing spaces to facilitate both communal and private interactions. The ground floor features a two-car garage, a spacious Majlis that serves as the social hub, and a living room and kitchen area with a double-height ceiling, enhancing the sense of volume and connectivity. An outdoor terrace seamlessly connects with the interior to encourage outdoor activities. The second floor accommodates four bedrooms, each designed to optimize natural light and views, contributing to a tranquil and restorative environment. Linear pathways flanked by greenery enhance privacy while enriching the sensory experience within the home.

## Sustainable Material Choices
The material palette of Barjeel House is primarily composed of rammed earth, sourced locally to minimize environmental impact. This choice not only aligns with sustainable building practices but also offers structural durability and effective thermal and acoustic insulation. Additional materials, such as expansive glass windows, local stone, and wooden elements, provide visual depth and warmth to the interiors. The incorporation of reflective water features, including mirrors and pools, further supports the passive cooling strategy, enhancing the overall indoor climate and promoting biodiversity within the landscape.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

`
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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