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Rammed Earth Walls and Solar Energy Integration in a Flexible Modular Desert Settlement

Authors:
Jules Rodschat, Jaya Linfoot, Basil Currie
Rammed Earth Walls and Solar Energy Integration in a Flexible Modular Desert Settlement
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Utilizing rammed earth walls and modular construction methods, this settlement seamlessly integrates solar energy solutions within a flexible design to create a sustainable living environment in the desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rammed earth for thermal mass to enhance energy efficiency.
02
Modular units allow for easy assembly and disassembly, promoting adaptability.
03
Incorporates solar panels for on-site energy generation, minimizing environmental impact.
04
Native plant landscaping supports local biodiversity and ecosystem health.
05
Design features large glass windows to maximize natural light and desert views.

Al Harakat Salissa is an architectural project designed for an ephemeral settlement within a desert landscape, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability. The project integrates modern amenities while respecting the surrounding ecosystem, creating a unique living experience that bridges traditional and contemporary design practices.

The settlement serves multiple functions, including residential, social, and recreational spaces, promoting interaction among residents and fostering a sense of community. The design comprises modular lodging units organized around a central hub, providing shared amenities such as kitchens, lounges, and gathering areas.

Unique Design Approaches
One notable aspect of Al Harakat Salissa is its modular construction, allowing units to be easily assembled and disassembled. This flexibility ensures minimal environmental impact and accommodates the temporary nature of the settlement. The architectural design mimics traditional tent structures, incorporating large glass windows for natural light and sweeping views of the desert landscape. Sustainable materials, such as rammed earth and aluminum, are utilized not only for their durability but also for their ability to enhance energy efficiency.

Incorporating passive cooling methods and renewable energy sources, the project minimizes reliance on mechanical systems. Its layout promotes natural ventilation, optimizing indoor climate control in response to the desert climate. The selection of native vegetation within the landscaping design supports local biodiversity and enhances the aesthetic value of the community.

Sustainable Material Selection
The use of specific materials is key to the project's environmental strategy. Aluminum provides structural integrity while remaining lightweight, and polycarbonate glazing allows for transparency and thermal regulation. Rammed earth walls contribute to thermal mass, effectively stabilizing indoor temperatures. Wood adds warmth to interiors, and the integration of solar panels emphasizes the settlement's commitment to renewable energy.

The project’s design reflects a cohesive blend of form and function, addressing both the needs of its inhabitants and the unique challenges posed by the desert environment. By prioritizing sustainability and community interaction, Al Harakat Salissa offers a contemporary approach to desert living.

To gain a deeper understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented, which provide further insights into the innovative ideas that underpin this settlement.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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