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Rammed Earth Construction with Solar Textiles in a Desert-Integrated Residence

Rammed Earth Construction with Solar Textiles in a Desert-Integrated Residence
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Utilizing rammed earth and innovative solar textiles, the residence embodies sustainable living in a desert environment while promoting community interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local rammed earth for enhanced thermal mass and durability.
02
Incorporates solar textiles for integrated shading and natural ventilation.
03
Features an interior garden to promote air quality and aesthetics.
04
Adapts traditional Barjeel screens to balance privacy and airflow.
05
Employs prefabricated elements for efficient construction and flexibility.

### Project Overview

The Verdant Sun - House of the Future, located in an unspecified desert climate, integrates principles of sustainable living with traditional cultural elements. The design reflects an intent to create harmonious spaces that accommodate both communal activities and individual privacy, effectively responding to the environmental challenges characteristic of the region.

### Privacy and Spatial Organization

The architectural layout prioritizes privacy through the careful segregation of spaces. The configuration allows for a dynamic interaction among communal areas while providing opportunities for solitude in private chambers. The integration of "The Majlis" serves as a traditional gathering space that facilitates connectivity within the home, encouraging social interaction yet respecting personal boundaries.

### Material and Environmental Innovation

The project employs several sustainable materials and techniques. Rammed earth is utilized for its thermal mass and durability, sourced locally to minimize transportation impact. Prefabricated modular components enhance structural efficiency and reduce construction time. Innovative solar textiles act as shading and ventilation solutions, contributing to overall energy efficiency. Additionally, traditional design elements, like the barjeel, are reinterpreted to balance privacy and light, further enhancing the indoor climate.

The sustainability strategy includes intelligent water management systems to optimize rainwater collection and reduce environmental impact. Energy-efficient features, such as strategically placed ventilated spaces, decrease dependence on mechanical climate control. The design approach also incorporates zero-waste principles, minimizing construction waste and encouraging composting practices throughout the home.

### Spatial and Functional Elements

Functional spaces within the design include interior gardens that serve both aesthetic and ecological purposes, enhancing indoor air quality. Each room is designed for specific functions while ensuring access to natural light and ventilation. The architecture allows for flexibility and future expansion, enabling occupants to adapt their living spaces as needs evolve. This commitment to adaptability reflects a thoughtful consideration of both immediate and long-term user requirements.

The architectural strategy bridges cultural heritage and modern convenience, exemplifying a proficient response to the demands of contemporary desert living. By utilizing local materials, the design contributes to a reduced carbon footprint while promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship.

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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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