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Recycled Concrete and Solar Panels Enhance Cultural Resilience in a Modern Family Home

Recycled Concrete and Solar Panels Enhance Cultural Resilience in a Modern Family Home
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Utilizing recycled concrete and integrated solar panels, the design fosters cultural identity and environmental sustainability in a contemporary family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled concrete is utilized extensively throughout the structure for sustainability.
02
The design incorporates solar panels that optimize energy efficiency for everyday use.
03
Pallet wood is employed for interior finishes, emphasizing local sourcing and environmental impact.
04
Natural ventilation strategies are implemented to enhance indoor air quality and comfort.
05
A dedicated majlis space fosters cultural interaction and social gatherings within the home.

### Overview

The project is located in Dubai and aims to create a holistic living environment that prioritizes sustainability, privacy, and social interaction. It integrates diverse elements to balance individual family needs with shared social spaces and environmental considerations, reflecting local cultural sensibilities while adapting to modern efficiencies.

### Design Philosophy

The design emphasizes a harmonious blend of traditional influences and contemporary needs. It is structured around principles of privacy, community, and sustainability, advocating for a cohesive living experience that respects cultural values while adapting to current lifestyles. The architecture reflects a commitment to creating spaces that enhance social interaction, with specific attention paid to the arrangement of public, private, and service areas to optimize usability.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout is organized into three defined scales: macro, meso, and micro. At the macro level, the division into high and low-activity zones optimizes energy and water resource use. The meso level integrates culturally significant spaces, such as the "majlis," to facilitate gatherings while seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments. The micro level focuses on the design of individual spaces, ensuring that living areas promote both privacy and shared experiences. This configuration supports family dynamics, with an open-plan ground floor encouraging communal activities, while the first floor ensures quietude through private quarters.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects both aesthetic choices and a commitment to sustainable practices. Recycled concrete is utilized for cost-effective construction, while white tiles enhance energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight. Local pallet wood serves decorative purposes, and gypsum board is chosen for its affordability and recyclability. Sustainable features include water harvesting systems, natural ventilation via louver windows, and a greywater recycling system, all designed to minimize environmental impact.

### Cultural Engagement

The architectural design resonates with Emirati culture, providing spaces that balance privacy with opportunities for community interaction. The majlis room is pivotal for family bonding and discourse, reinforcing the home’s social framework. The patterned façade serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing privacy and facilitating the play of light and shadow. Outdoor terraces and courtyards extend living spaces, fostering a connection to the natural surroundings and enriching the overall living experience.

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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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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