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Rammed Earth Walls and Wind Towers Create a Sustainable Retreat in Arid Environments

Rammed Earth Walls and Wind Towers Create a Sustainable Retreat in Arid Environments
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Incorporating rammed earth walls and traditional wind towers, the design efficiently utilizes climate-responsive strategies to create a sustainable residence that fosters community and connection with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind towers for natural cooling and ventilation.
02
Utilizes rammed earth construction for thermal mass and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard that encourages social interaction and outdoor living.
04
Integrates native vegetation to enhance the microclimate around the residence.
05
Design includes a Majlis, reflecting cultural values in communal spaces.

### Project Overview

Earth Oasis is located in the Arabian Gulf, addressing the environmental challenges of its extreme climate while incorporating traditional Arabic architectural principles. The design integrates five fundamental elements—earth, water, vegetation, shade, and wind—into a cohesive architectural strategy that aims to enhance the relationship between the built environment and nature. By focusing on sustainable living, the project embodies a commitment to creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

### Materiality and Architectural Features

The project employs a diverse range of materials to achieve thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include rammed earth for its thermal mass, reinforced concrete for structural integrity, extensive glass panels to create a connection with the outdoors, and wood for warmth in interior spaces. Notable architectural features, such as Barjeel towers and communal Majlis spaces, provide natural ventilation, shade, and opportunities for social interaction. Outdoor hallways facilitate semi-outdoor experiences, integrating landscaping with living areas.

### Spatial Organization and Sustainability

The layout is designed to promote natural light and airflow, with living areas oriented around central courtyards and private zones strategically placed for seclusion. Shared spaces, such as the Majlis, encourage interaction among residents. Sustainability is woven into the design through solar energy systems that optimize sunlight capture, along with evaporative cooling techniques leveraging vegetation and water features. The modular nature of the architecture allows for adaptability over time, accommodating changing family dynamics while maintaining a focus on environmental integration.

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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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