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Rammed Earth Walls and Hydroponic Systems Define Sustainable Living in a Climate-Responsive Home

Rammed Earth Walls and Hydroponic Systems Define Sustainable Living in a Climate-Responsive Home
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Utilizing rammed earth construction and integrated hydroponic systems, this residence exemplifies a sustainable approach to energy-efficient living in an arid climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal mass, reducing energy needs.
02
Hydroponic systems enable sustainable food production within the home.
03
Modular design allows flexible reconfiguration based on occupant needs.
04
Triple-glazed windows optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain.
05
Palm wood elements add local cultural significance and warmth to interiors.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, this residence is conceived to address the specific environmental challenges of the region. The design focuses on creating an energy-efficient habitat that reduces dependency on traditional cooling solutions while leveraging natural resources to promote sustainable living. The project employs a hybrid construction approach, integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern modular techniques to enhance thermal comfort and facilitate efficient assembly.

### Material Selection and Performance

The material selection is integral to the building's performance and aesthetic characteristics:

- **Rammed Earth**: Utilized for the ground floor walls, rammed earth provides significant thermal mass, effectively regulating interior temperatures and promoting energy efficiency by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.

- **Fiber Cement Cladding**: Applied to the upper floors, these panels contrast with the rammed earth base and offer durability while balancing the overall visual composition of the structure.

- **Wood from Palm Trees**: This material adds a tactile element to the architecture, prominently featured in shaded canopies that reflect traditional Middle Eastern designs.

- **Glazing Solutions**: Triple-glazed windows are strategically installed to optimize natural light, reducing heat gain and enhancing interior comfort without the need for excessive artificial lighting.

### Spatial Configuration and Adaptability

The villa's spatial organization across three levels fosters both functionality and flexibility:

- **Ground Floor**: The open-plan layout includes a living area designed for seamless interaction with an outdoor garden. Kitchen and dining spaces incorporate movable elements, allowing for adaptable configurations.

- **Upper Levels**: The first and second floors contain sleeping modules that can be added or removed based on evolving family needs, demonstrating an innovative approach to residential design that accommodates lifestyle changes.

### Environmental Integration

Sustainability is a core tenet of the project, manifested through various ecological features:

- **Solar and Wind Energy**: Roof-mounted solar panels and a wind tower contribute to energy generation and improve natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

- **Water Resource Management**: The design incorporates rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems, efficiently storing water in a shared underground tank and promoting sustainable irrigation practices.

- **Natural Climate Control**: Cross-ventilation strategies, along with the building's thermal mass, facilitate effective temperature regulation, minimizing the need for artificial heating or cooling solutions.

This residence exemplifies how architecture can adapt to environmental constraints while offering a flexible and responsive living environment.

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Enter an open architecture
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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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