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Terracotta and Timber Integration in a Desert Community Design

Terracotta and Timber Integration in a Desert Community Design
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Interlocking terracotta and timber structures respond to the desert environment, creating a cohesive residential community that prioritizes sustainability and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking volumes create distinct yet connected spaces that enhance community interaction.
02
Terracotta bricks integrate traditional construction techniques with contemporary design for durability.
03
Vegetable fiber panels provide innovative shading while reducing environmental impact.
04
Modular layouts allow for flexible, adaptive living spaces tailored to individual needs.
05
Natural cooling strategies effectively regulate indoor temperatures in arid conditions.

### Project Overview

Located in the desert region of Dubai, "The Origins in Pieces" integrates historical influences with contemporary design approaches to address local cultural and environmental conditions. The project emphasizes a fragmented architectural language that reflects the complexity of the urban context, aimed at fostering connections among various elements of the landscape and promoting interactions among inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The design features a grid-like arrangement of interlocking volumes, facilitating a clear hierarchy between public and private spaces. Public areas, such as outdoor courtyards, serve as gathering spots that visually and functionally connect with the landscape, while private zones are organized around enclosed courtyards, ensuring a sheltered environment that balances natural light and ventilation. The circulation throughout the space mimics the traditional medina experience, where pathways and gardens create an exploratory environment, enhancing the residents' relationship with their surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A focus on sustainable materiality defines the project, utilizing terracotta bricks for heat insulation, timber for modular construction, and concrete for structural integrity. Additionally, vegetable fiber panels provide natural shading, solar panels ensure energy efficiency, and hydroponic systems promote sustainable water usage. This strategic selection of materials is designed to withstand the climatic challenges of the desert while supporting environmental sustainability. The integration of systems for evaporative cooling and water harvesting further enhances the project's ecological performance, establishing a commitment to promoting a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with the desert landscape.

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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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