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Sustainable Living Through Dried Palm Facades and Natural Earth Materials in a Family-Oriented Home

Sustainable Living Through Dried Palm Facades and Natural Earth Materials in a Family-Oriented Home
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Incorporating dried palm facades and compressed earth walls, this family-oriented residence seamlessly blends sustainable practices with modern design, creating an inviting and functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates dried palm fronds as a key exterior material.
02
Utilizes compressed earth blocks for thermal efficiency.
03
Integrates natural ventilation through strategic window placements.
04
Features a central courtyard to enhance community interaction.
05
Employs local materials to minimize environmental impact.

### Project Overview

Located within an Emirati context, the proposed residential structure reflects a synthesis of modern architectural principles and cultural heritage. It addresses themes of domesticity, time, and identity, aiming to create a space that accommodates both evolving familial traditions and contemporary lifestyles. The design prioritizes hospitality and privacy, establishing a setting conducive to gathering and intimacy among families and friends.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The architectural plan features interconnected spaces that enhance interaction while supporting distinct functions. Communal areas, such as kitchens, dining rooms, and living spaces, are strategically designed for engagement, promoting social bonds within the household. The thoughtful arrangement includes a central courtyard, which serves as a focal point for gatherings, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor areas. Large windows and open layouts optimize natural light and airflow, creating an environment that encourages a connection with the surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The use of locally sourced materials emphasizes sustainability and environmental integration. Key elements include solar paint, which improves energy efficiency, dried palm leaves that acknowledge traditional building methods, and earth-based materials that provide thermal comfort. These choices reflect a commitment to both contemporary needs and the inherent characteristics of the desert landscape. The structure's design incorporates Al Ghaf trees, symbolizing resilience and cultural significance, further anchoring the home within its historical context while embracing future aspirations.

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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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