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Salvaged Timber and Sustainable Sandstone Form a Climate-Responsive Residence in a Desert Environment

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Salvaged Timber and Sustainable Sandstone Form a Climate-Responsive Residence in a Desert Environment
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Utilizing salvaged timber and sustainable sandstone, the design creates a resilient, climate-responsive residence that harmonizes with its desert landscape while accommodating family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a solar chimney for natural ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling.
02
Features a living roof to enhance biodiversity and thermal performance.
03
Constructed with reclaimed wood, emphasizing resource conservation.
04
Integrates a thermal buffer in the underground basement for climate regulation.
05
Designed with a modular approach to accommodate future expansion needs.

### Overview

Located within a dynamic context, “## UNDER MOUNTAIN” exemplifies the integration of advanced technology and sustainable practices in architectural design. The project draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape, incorporating a double hashtag symbol (# #) alongside mountain motifs, which embodies the connection between structural elements and environmental contexts. By emphasizing Dubai's cultural values, the design embraces communal ties while fostering an innovative relationship between form and function.

### Environmental Strategies

The architectural design prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency through several key features. A solar chimney and wind catcher system are utilized to promote natural cooling, addressing the challenges posed by Dubai's climate. Additionally, an underground basement facilitates air circulation, leveraging cooler air to enhance internal climate regulation. This layered approach to thermal control exemplifies energy-efficient living strategies while addressing the needs of both community interaction and individual privacy through distinct public and private spaces.

### Material Selection

Sustainable material choices are central to the project’s design ethos. Recycled eco-friendly porcelain, reclaimed wood, and sustainable sandstone made from salt are employed to create an aesthetic rich in both character and ecological responsibility. These materials contribute to the overall visual appeal of the design while minimizing the ecological footprint. The thoughtful integration of these resources aligns with a commitment to opulence that is in harmony with environmental mindfulness, reinforcing the project's contemporary narrative.

### Architectural Features

Innovative design elements further define the project, such as a roof structure featuring tubing for shading and cooling, complemented by vegetation that enhances biodiversity. The facades integrate organic patterns which provide shading, reducing reliance on artificial cooling and lighting. Designed with modularity and expandability in mind, the structure can transition into a high-rise format, ensuring adaptability to urban demands while maintaining a cohesive architectural vision.

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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

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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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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