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Sips and Green Roofs Integrate with Natural Ventilation in a Family-Centric Residence

Sips and Green Roofs Integrate with Natural Ventilation in a Family-Centric Residence
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Utilizing structural insulating panels and a green roof, this residence enhances natural ventilation while promoting adaptable family living within Dubai's unique climatic context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes structural insulating panels for superior thermal performance in a hot climate.
02
Features a green roof that supports biodiversity and improves energy efficiency.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard for enhanced natural ventilation and outdoor living.
04
Employs a modular design to allow for future adaptability based on family needs.
05
Integrates water harvesting systems to minimize consumption and manage humidity.

### Overview
Al-Dar Earthly Paradise is a modern residential design located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, aimed at addressing the climatic and cultural specificities of the region. The project incorporates a central courtyard as its focal point, promoting natural ventilation and shading to enhance thermal comfort while facilitating flexible family living arrangements.

### Spatial Organization
The design implements a systematic approach to privacy and interaction among residents. Living spaces are categorized into three distinct zones: public areas for visitors, semi-private spaces for family activities, and private sections for intimate household gatherings. This stratification reflects cultural norms while accommodating the varying dynamics of contemporary family life. The central courtyard functions as a communal heart, enhancing air circulation and offering an outdoor retreat, further complemented by additional shaded courtyards to extend family engagement with the outdoor environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The construction utilizes Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) made of insulating foam between magnesium oxide surfaces, ensuring both thermal insulation and structural reliability suited for Dubai’s extreme temperatures. The project prioritizes sustainability through the use of recycled and low-carbon materials sourced locally, reducing its ecological footprint. Additional features such as green roofs improve thermal performance and biodiversity, while photovoltaic cells and water recycling systems contribute to energy efficiency and effective humidity management. The façade design employs textured surfaces and strategic openings that enhance aesthetic quality and functional performance, further integrating the development into its environmental context.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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.

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