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Rammed Earth Walls and Windcatchers Shape Sustainable Urban Residence
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Rammed earth walls and integrated windcatchers provide passive cooling in a modern residence designed for community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides natural insulation and thermal mass.
02
Windcatchers enhance passive cooling, reducing energy consumption.
03
A central courtyard promotes social interaction and natural light access.
04
Local materials, including finite boards, minimize environmental impact.
05
The design allows for modular adaptability to changing family needs.

### Overview

Zephyr House is situated within an urban framework that integrates modern living with historical architectural principles. The project's intent is to create a sustainable living environment that bridges environmental considerations and social interactions while reflecting the cultural heritage of the region. Inspired by traditional windcatchers, the design utilizes natural ventilation strategies to enhance the indoor climate, effectively addressing temperature regulation without reliance on mechanical systems.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of Zephyr House centers around a spacious courtyard that facilitates natural light and air circulation throughout the residence. This central gathering space serves as a focal point for communal activities, enhancing the sense of community among residents. The design incorporates curvilinear forms that contrast with the surrounding rectilinear urban landscape, promoting tranquility and encouraging interaction with nature. By prioritizing connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design creates a fluid living experience that adapts to various functions, accommodating both family interactions and larger community gatherings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material choices for Zephyr House emphasize sustainability and local context. Key materials include rammed earth panels, which provide thermal mass and draw from traditional building techniques, and finite boards, a low-carbon composite that utilizes local desert sand. The use of timber in structural elements and windcatchers adds both strength and an organic aesthetic, while glass and aluminum are employed in energy-efficient windows to maximize natural light. Additionally, fine concrete clay compounds enhance durability while complementing the visual language of the residence. These materials are not only functional but are also carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding environment, reinforcing the residence’s commitment to sustainable 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

`
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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