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Raw Earth Construction with Traditional Wind Towers in a Community-Oriented Residence
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Constructed from 3D-printed raw earth and featuring traditional wind towers, this community-oriented residence emphasizes sustainable living through its unique material use and design, fostering a harmonious indoor-outdoor connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed walls made from raw earth and local waste materials.
02
Incorporates traditional wind towers to enhance passive ventilation and cooling.
03
Features a Zen Garden designed for tranquility and biodiversity.
04
Emphasizes self-sufficiency with areas dedicated to fruit and vegetable cultivation.
05
Integrates geometric alignments towards Qibla for spiritual orientation.

**Overview**

Sakan-e-Noor, located in Al Warqa, Dubai, integrates modern design principles with elements of traditional Islamic architecture. The project aims to foster a contemporary living environment that respects and reflects the cultural heritage of the region. Its strategic site layout enhances natural light and ventilation while supporting sustainability initiatives, addressing the needs of its residents in a rapidly developing urban context.

**Zoning Concept**

The design is organized into four distinct zones, each serving a unique purpose:

- **MAWA - Space of Tranquility:** A Zen Garden designed as a Xeriscape, this zone promotes relaxation through the inclusion of vegetation and natural features.
- **NAEEM - Luxurious Adobe:** This zone focuses on well-lit, comfortable interiors that enhance the living experience through abundant natural daylight.
- **FIRDAUS - Garden with River:** This multipurpose courtyard incorporates a water element that adds aesthetic appeal while maintaining privacy through natural barriers.
- **ADN - A Place for Fruits:** This area encourages self-sufficiency, allowing residents to grow native plants and vegetables, thus reinforcing a connection to nature.

**Architectural Composition**

The house employs a contextual grid approach to zoning that establishes a relationship between public and private spaces through an integrated courtyard design, reflecting traditional Arabic architecture. Setback regulations maintain privacy and minimize noise, while the design incorporates natural ventilation by harnessing prevailing northwest winds.

**Materiality**

A diverse palette of materials has been selected for their functional and aesthetic qualities:

- **3D-Printed Walls:** Utilizing local earth and waste materials, the walls feature two modular types, designed to cut building costs and reduce environmental impact.
- **Natural Finishes:** Weaved thatched patterns draw inspiration from local crafts, enhancing visual appeal and cultural significance.
- **Barjeel (Wind Tower):** This integral feature facilitates natural cooling, promoting thermal comfort while referencing traditional elements of regional architecture.

**Interior Spaces**

The Majlis seating area balances openness with intimacy through expansive glazing and wooden screens, which provide both light and privacy. The longitudinal sections (AA) demonstrate a well-considered spatial distribution, allowing for fluid movement among sleeping quarters, family areas, and communal spaces, thereby fostering social interaction.

**Sustainability Features**

High sustainability standards are a core aspect of the project. Natural ventilation is prioritized to maximize cross-breezes and reduce dependence on HVAC systems. Future plans include the incorporation of solar panels to promote renewable energy use within the residence.

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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
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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