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Recycled Palm Wood and Tensile Roof Enhance Flexible Desert Living

Recycled Palm Wood and Tensile Roof Enhance Flexible Desert Living
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Utilizing recycled palm wood and a tensile roof, the design offers a flexible living solution that adapts to the desert environment while promoting sustainable community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled palm wood to enhance sustainability and local craftsmanship.
02
Features a tensile roof that provides effective shade and ventilation in the desert climate.
03
Incorporates modular living units that can adapt to changing family needs.
04
Design includes interconnected spaces that promote community interactions while ensuring privacy.
05
Strategic water management systems integrate above and below-ground tanks for efficiency.

# SEED House Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the SEED House design addresses the contemporary challenges of urban housing while honoring traditional Emirati living. The architectural framework serves as a foundation for future residential development, with a central "seed" that integrates key functions—cooking, storage, and utilities—allowing for adaptability over time. This structure is conceived to accommodate diverse family compositions and evolving needs, reflecting both flexibility and a holistic approach to modern living.

## Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The spatial arrangement of the SEED House emphasizes openness, connectivity, and privacy. The central hub supports communal activities, while distinct living units preserve individual privacy, striking a balance between shared and private spaces. Architectural elements such as archways and interconnected pathways draw inspiration from traditional Emirati neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community. Natural light permeates the design, enhancing interior spaces and establishing a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

## Sustainable Material Selection

The project demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability through its careful selection of materials adapted to desert conditions. Key materials include solar panels for renewable energy, galvanized flashing for durability, and a tensile canvas roof that provides essential shade and ventilation. The incorporation of recycled palm wood not only emphasizes sustainable practices but also honors local craftsmanship. Water management is augmented through strategically placed water tanks, reinforcing the project's ecological responsibility while providing functional resilience in a challenging climate.

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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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