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Tactile Pathways and Thermal Mass in a Desert Home for the Blind

Authors:
Mina Al-janabi, Natalia Stefańska
Tactile Pathways and Thermal Mass in a Desert Home for the Blind
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A waterfall wall captures sunlight and enhances thermal comfort within a home that features tactile pathways designed for blind inhabitants while integrating materials sourced from the surrounding Błędów desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pathways are designed to enhance tactile experiences for blind inhabitants.
02
Waterfall wall serves as both a shower and thermal mass.
03
Materials are sourced from the surrounding Błędów desert.
04
Living areas are strategically elevated to promote exploration.
05
The design emphasizes sensory engagement over visual aesthetics.

"New Heights - Home for the Blind" is set in the Błędów desert and is designed to meet the specific needs of blind inhabitants. The project focuses on enhancing sensory experiences while maximizing the connection to nature. Through thoughtful design choices, the home offers an innovative approach to living that prioritizes tactile interaction.

Pathway Dynamics
The layout incorporates a twisting pathway that moves vertically throughout the space. This approach creates different levels that separate active areas like the living room and kitchen from quieter zones such as the bedroom and bath. The path encourages exploration and helps the occupant navigate the environment through touch, making every movement a part of the experience.

Sensory Experience
A significant feature of the design is the bathing area, which includes a waterfall wall that acts as the shower. This element enriches the sensory experience by combining sounds of flowing water with tactile sensations. The waterfall wall extends upward, functioning as a thermal mass that captures sunlight during the day through a south-facing window. At night, it releases the stored warmth, ensuring comfort for the inhabitants.

Material Integration
Materials for the construction come from the surrounding desert. Mud is used alongside Finite composite for various structural elements. This choice strengthens the bond between the building and its environment while promoting sustainability. The materials not only contribute to the visual harmony but also enhance the overall experience of the home.

Attention to detail is evident in the use of the waterfall wall, which brings together elements of sound, light, and touch, creating an environment that responds to its inhabitants' needs.

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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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