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Rammed Earth Walls and Mirrored Facades Enhancing Desert Living in Abu Dhabi Villa

Rammed Earth Walls and Mirrored Facades Enhancing Desert Living in Abu Dhabi Villa
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Utilizing rammed earth construction and reflective facades, the villa merges sustainable materials with local design traditions to create a functional family residence in the heart of Abu Dhabi's desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide natural thermal insulation, reducing energy needs.
02
Mirrored facades reflect the surrounding desert, blending the villa into its environment.
03
The design integrates a traditional Majlis for cultural gatherings and social interaction.
04
Palm wood flooring showcases local craftsmanship and sustainable material use.
05
Solar panels on the roof contribute to the villa's energy efficiency and sustainability.

## Project Overview

Located in Al Hiyar, Abu Dhabi, the villa integrates modern architectural aesthetics with sustainable design principles. Its single-story layout offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Emirati living, promoting an open environment that fosters a strong connection to the surrounding desert landscape.

## Spatial Strategy

The villa's design is characterized by an open floor plan, which enhances spatial connectivity and facilitates natural interaction among the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Accessible single-story architecture prioritizes family usability, accommodating diverse living and entertaining scenarios. An emphasis on privacy is reflected in the arrangement of the bedrooms, ensuring intimate spaces are secluded from communal areas, thus catering to family dynamics while maintaining accessibility.

## Material and Sustainability

The villa employs innovative materials to enhance both aesthetic quality and ecological sustainability. Notable features include rammed earth walls that act as thermal mass, improving energy efficiency, and palm tree log flooring sourced from local flora, adding warmth and texture. Mirrored exterior walls reflect the surrounding desert, merging the structure with its environment while promoting energy conservation. Sustainable features continue with the installation of solar panels for renewable energy generation and oriented strand board (OSB) utilized for furniture, highlighting cost-effectiveness and durability. Enhanced thermal efficiency is achieved through thoughtful insulation and the strategic placement of large windows and skylights, maximizing natural light and ventilation, thereby minimizing reliance on artificial systems. The choice of locally sourced materials reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies, contributing to the villa's low environmental impact.

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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
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