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Rammed Earth Panels and Natural Wood Brown Harmonize in Sustainable Community Housing

Rammed Earth Panels and Natural Wood Brown Harmonize in Sustainable Community Housing
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Utilizing rammed earth panels and operable louvers for passive cooling, the design integrates sustainable materials with adaptable living spaces to create an efficient community housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced rammed earth panels to enhance thermal mass and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates operable louvers for natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
03
Features a multi-purpose room adaptable to various family needs and activities.
04
Integrates native landscaping to promote biodiversity and minimize water consumption.
05
Employs prefabrication techniques to streamline construction and minimize site waste.

## Analytical Report on Housing Design in the UAE

This project addresses the significant housing challenges faced in the United Arab Emirates, a region marked by rapid urbanization and an arid climate. The design integrates modern sustainable architecture with elements of Emirati heritage, aiming to provide a solution that is both environmentally conscious and culturally relevant.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The design features a three-tier layout, comprising a basement, ground, and first floor, optimized to facilitate natural light and airflow. The ground floor includes an open-concept living area, dining space, and kitchen, complemented by a multi-purpose room and additional utility areas, fostering a versatile living environment that supports family interactions. The first floor prioritizes privacy, containing several bedrooms with attached bathrooms, while terraces extend the living spaces outdoors. The basement serves functional needs with mechanical rooms integrated into the overall building structure.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material choices emphasize sustainability and cultural resonance. The project employs prefabricated rammed earth panels, sourced locally to reduce embodied carbon and enhance thermal performance. Features such as operable louvers are implemented to encourage passive ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The landscape design incorporates both hard and soft elements, utilizing native plant species and water-efficient irrigation systems to promote ecological integrity and counteract the urban heat island effect. Additionally, energy conservation strategies, including geothermal cooling and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, further demonstrate the commitment to reducing environmental impact.

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

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

Open architecture competitions

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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