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Sustainable Mass Timber Home Featuring Central Courtyard and Solar Energy Solutions

Sustainable Mass Timber Home Featuring Central Courtyard and Solar Energy Solutions
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Incorporating a central courtyard and advanced rainwater harvesting, the mass timber residence utilizes sustainable materials to create an energy-efficient family home designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an innovative rainwater harvesting system with large underground cisterns.
02
Features a central courtyard that enhances natural ventilation and social interaction.
03
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to optimize structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
05
Integrates adjustable solar panels to maximize energy efficiency throughout the year.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this residential project emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and cultural relevance. Designed to meet modern living requirements while respecting traditional Arab aesthetics, the residence aims to address contemporary housing needs alongside environmental challenges.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural concept prioritizes sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems that reflect a commitment to ecological responsibility. Key materials include glulam for structural elements, enhancing durability and thermal insulation; mass timber as a renewable construction choice; and expansive glass to maximize natural light and ventilation. Terracotta is utilized in water systems, aligning with natural cooling practices, while warm wood finishes enhance the interior environment.

Innovative sustainability measures underscore the design's focus on self-sufficiency. A solar energy system featuring adjustable panels optimizes energy harnessing, while a rainwater harvesting system with 5000-liter cisterns addresses domestic water needs and resource conservation. The design incorporates natural ventilation through strategically placed windows and an internal courtyard, enhancing airflow and thermal comfort. Additionally, an earth air tunnel helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

### Spatial Strategy

The floor plan is organized into functional zones, beginning with an entry and garage positioned at the front of the property, leading into a central courtyard that connects interior and exterior spaces. The courtyard serves as a focal point with landscaped elements promoting family interaction and natural ventilation. Living areas, including a kitchen and open-concept living room, facilitate social engagement, with ample window placement increasing visual connectivity to the courtyard.

The two-story layout features bedrooms on the upper level, offering privacy while maintaining ease of movement via a central void staircase. This configuration not only supports the functional use of space but also encourages flexibility for future modifications to meet the evolving needs of its occupants.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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