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Rammed Earth Walls and Curved Façade Define a Sustainable Residential Retreat

Rammed Earth Walls and Curved Façade Define a Sustainable Residential Retreat
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With its rammed earth walls and elegantly curved façade, this sustainable residence integrates local materials and climate-responsive design to create a comfortable family living space in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide high thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
The façade features a dynamic curved design that optimizes natural light and airflow.
03
Extensive use of local materials supports sustainability and cultural relevance.
04
Cross-ventilation strategies maximize comfort in Dubai's hot climate.
05
Integrated solar panels contribute to the home’s renewable energy usage.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, the House of Zephyr is an architectural project that harmonizes contemporary design with cultural, climatic, and ecological factors inherent to the region. The intent behind the structure is to foster familial intimacy while responding appropriately to environmental conditions. The layout is crafted to prioritize privacy, outdoor living, and thoughtful engagement with the site’s natural features, fundamentally enhancing the user experience.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The spatial distribution within the house is designed to categorize areas into family spaces, guest accommodations, and service zones. Key elements include a double-height entrance hall that reflects cultural significance and a Majlis designed for communal activities, featuring large openings that connect to the outdoors. Living and dining areas are centrally located to maximize natural light and encourage interaction, while private quarters are strategically positioned to provide both privacy and access to external views. This meticulous organization fosters a sense of community while maintaining individual needs.

### Material Selection and Environmental Impact
The materials selected for the House of Zephyr emphasize sustainability and regional relevance. Compressed earth blocks and rammed earth structural walls are used to enhance thermal mass and aesthetics while minimizing the environmental impact. The building incorporates lightly reinforced concrete for structural support, alongside solar panels on the roof to promote renewable energy use. A dynamic façade treatment, characterized by curved design elements, enhances light and shadow play while facilitating natural ventilation through optimized building orientation. Overall, these design choices contribute to thermal efficiency and reduced reliance on mechanical systems, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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

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