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Solar-Powered Complex Featuring Natural Stone and Arched Design Elements

Solar-Powered Complex Featuring Natural Stone and Arched Design Elements
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Combining solar power generation with natural stone and innovative arched design elements, the residential complex offers adaptable living spaces while prioritizing sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Arched openings optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the living spaces.
02
Integrated solar panels serve dual functions as shading devices and energy generators.
03
Locally sourced natural stone enhances aesthetic appeal and reduces environmental impact.
04
Adaptable floor plans promote flexible use of spaces for varying resident needs.
05
Smart home technologies automatically adjust energy consumption based on user behavior.

### Overview

The proposed residential complex is situated within a context that emphasizes sustainability while respecting traditional architectural elements. The design integrates local materials and prioritizes energy efficiency, aiming to create a cohesive living environment that addresses the needs of its residents.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout promotes interaction among residents while providing necessary privacy. The ground floor includes communal areas such as a traditional **majlis**, a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen, thereby encouraging social engagement. The first and second floors are dedicated to private spaces, featuring bedrooms and flexible rooms for activities like a children’s playroom and a home office. Large windows are strategically placed throughout to enhance natural light and facilitate cross-ventilation.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects a focus on sustainability and environmental impact. Prefabricated structures enhance construction efficiency, while locally sourced natural stone finishes reduce transportation emissions. Energy efficiency is further supported by the inclusion of solar panels on both the façade and roof, complementing high-quality insulation materials that aid in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

A water recycling system is incorporated to repurpose household water for gardening and other non-potable uses. Additionally, smart technologies, including AI-driven lighting and climate controls, optimize energy consumption by adapting to the residents’ behaviors. Natural ventilation and shading techniques are utilized to reduce solar heat gain, enhancing comfort during warmer periods. The design successfully marries modern technology with an appreciation for cultural aesthetics and the surrounding environment.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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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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