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Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Family Home

Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Family Home
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Rammed earth walls and strategically designed windcatchers create a sustainable living environment for a family home that harmonizes modern functionality with cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides thermal mass, enhancing indoor climate control.
02
Windcatchers are integrated into the design for natural ventilation throughout the home.
03
The modular layout allows for flexible space configurations as family needs change.
04
A dedicated Majlis area reflects cultural traditions while promoting social interaction.
05
Green roofs contribute to energy efficiency and ecological integration within the urban environment.

## Overview

Situated in Dubai, UAE, the project exemplifies a contemporary architectural design that interweaves modern technology with traditional cultural elements of the region. The approach reflects a commitment to environmental responsiveness while addressing user-centric needs through a thoughtfully organized spatial layout.

## Modular Spatial Strategy

The design is characterized by a modular approach that provides flexibility in spatial configuration, allowing for adaptability to various living scenarios. The site is divided into three strips, facilitating an arrangement that can evolve according to user demands. The first-floor bedrooms promote family engagement and interaction through strategically placed tandem spaces for communal activities. Shared areas, including the kitchen and outdoor regions, are intentionally designed to foster social connectivity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project incorporates a range of materials chosen for their performance in the local climate and alignment with traditional practices. Rammed earth serves as a key structural component, reflecting historical construction techniques while offering thermal mass. Concrete is employed for structural integrity, while glass is utilized to enhance natural light and visibility of the surrounding gardens. Steel reinforces structural elements, and wood is used for finishing touches to create a warm interior atmosphere. Sustainable features include wind catchers for natural ventilation and green roofs to mitigate heat absorption, thereby promoting ecological balance while enhancing the living environment.

## Environmental Integration and User Experience

The design optimizes environmental integration through staggered court covers for effective shading and an extensive use of landscaping to maintain a harmonious connection with nature. Attention to prevailing wind directions informs the orientation of the house, maximizing solar access and natural airflow. Indoor spaces are enhanced by ceiling voids over parking areas to improve light distribution and ventilation. Notable features include narrow circular openings within rammed earth walls, which not only provide aesthetic value but also diminish heat retention, contributing to comfortable indoor climates.

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

`
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
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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