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Sustainable Family Residence Featuring Concrete and Glass Integration with Thermal Mass Design

Sustainable Family Residence Featuring Concrete and Glass Integration with Thermal Mass Design
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Combining concrete's durability with expansive glass surfaces for natural light, this residential villa emphasizes thermal mass and open layouts to create a functional family living environment in Dubai's Jebel Ali area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes concrete for thermal mass to enhance energy efficiency in a desert climate.
02
Incorporates extensive glass for natural light, creating seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
03
Features a service block to maintain the privacy and organization of living spaces.
04
Includes balconies for each upper-level bedroom, promoting outdoor relaxation.
05
Employs a minimalistic facade with a combination of geometries for visual interest.

### Overview
Located in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai, the Jebel Ali Hills residential villa is part of an affluent modern development designed in collaboration with Meras. The intent of this project is to create a residential environment that integrates contemporary architectural principles with the unique demands of the desert climate, emphasizing sustainability and user comfort.

### Architectural Strategy
The design of the villa prioritizes environmental considerations, such as heat mitigation through the application of white exterior paint to reflect sunlight. The building orientation is strategically arranged to optimize natural ventilation and capture views of the surrounding landscape. Thoughtful spatial organization includes open-plan living and dining areas on the ground floor, separated from utility zones, while the upper floor accommodates master suites with private balconies, enhancing residential luxury.

#### Material Application
The villa employs a deliberate selection of materials to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural component for its resilience and fire safety, complemented by steel and glass elements that facilitate light and airflow within the interior. Wooden accents provide warmth to the spaces, balancing modernity with a sense of comfort. The façade features a contemporary design with geometric forms and decorative paneling, ensuring visual interest while maintaining residents' privacy.

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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