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Rammed Earth Facades with Flexible Courtyard Layouts Supporting Community Living

Rammed Earth Facades with Flexible Courtyard Layouts Supporting Community Living
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Combining rammed earth construction with a flexible courtyard design, the project promotes community living while utilizing sustainable materials and enhancing natural ventilation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction is utilized for both durability and thermal efficiency.
02
The design incorporates multiple flexible courtyards that promote social interaction.
03
Natural ventilation strategies are integrated to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
Local materials are prioritized to enhance cultural relevance and reduce environmental impact.
05
The layout facilitates easy adaptation for changing family needs over time.

## Overview

This architectural design project is located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is focused on sustainable modular living within the context of urban planning. The intent is to create a resilient urban environment that addresses both the building and landscape scales, aiming to facilitate adaptive responses to the challenges presented by rapid urbanization.

## Urban Planning Concepts

### Future Urban Hubs

The proposal articulates a vision for future urban hubs that develop inland, countering the typical shoreline expansion prevalent in the region. It aims to enhance mobility networks and establish new centers that address urbanization challenges through a carefully considered spatial arrangement. The urban layout incorporates protective green buffers to mitigate environmental impacts while promoting social interaction and functional living spaces.

## Materiality

### Unique Material Selection

Key materials selected for construction include rammed earth, which minimizes ecological impact and draws from the region's historical building traditions, and concrete, which provides structural durability. Wood elements add warmth, while glass treatments ensure natural light and energy efficiency. Decorative grilles, inspired by traditional motifs, integrate modern design with cultural references, enhancing ventilation and visual interest. The emphasis on rammed earth distinguishes this project within contemporary architectural practices, promoting sustainability and ecological harmony.

## Design Outcomes

### Interior and Exterior Spaces

The design strategically incorporates multiple courtyards to foster natural airflow and create a temperate internal climate. These outdoor spaces are intended for social interaction, while the flexible interior layout accommodates changing family dynamics, with provisions for future use of spaces, such as the rooftop. The clear division between private family areas and public guest zones respects local social and cultural practices, enhancing the overall hospitality within the dwelling.

### Sustainability and Environment

Sustainability is paramount in this project, evidenced by the integration of landscape architecture, water management strategies, and the use of ecological materials. The design not only respects the region's heritage but also interprets modern needs through environmentally conscious methods, presenting a balanced approach to contemporary urban living.

## Visual Elements and Functionality

### Structural and Aesthetic Details

The facades combine solid rammed earth with transparent glass, creating a visually dynamic interplay of light and shadows within the interior spaces. The innovative floor plan allows for both communal and private experiences, ensuring accessibility and engagement in shared areas such as living and dining rooms. Additionally, the integration of gardens and pools promotes outdoor living, aligning with the UAE's climate and lifestyle while enhancing leisure activities within daily life.

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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.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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