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Terracotta Screens and Green Roofs Shape a Sustainable Residential Retreat

Terracotta Screens and Green Roofs Shape a Sustainable Residential Retreat
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Designed with terracotta screens and a green roof, the residence enhances energy efficiency and privacy while providing a modern living space for an Emirati family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates terracotta screens that enhance ventilation while ensuring privacy.
02
Features a green roof to improve insulation and support local biodiversity.
03
Utilizes prefabricated solid walls for efficient construction and durability.
04
Integrates biodegradable fish scale tiles for sustainable flooring solutions.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through high ceilings and strategically placed openings.

### Overview
The Hideaway represents a contemporary architectural approach designed for Emirati families, emphasizing environmental consciousness, energy efficiency, and traditional values of hospitality. Located within an urban context, the design integrates modern aesthetics with functional elements, prioritizing sustainability through passive design strategies that respect cultural norms related to privacy and community interaction.

### Spatial Organization and Environmental Integration
The spatial arrangement reflects a careful balance between openness and seclusion, achieved through strategic site orientation to maximize natural light while providing shaded areas for comfort. Living spaces are organized into distinct zones, complemented by terraces and courtyards that foster both privacy and connectivity. The innovative use of terracotta screens serves dual functions—enhancing aesthetic appeal while facilitating airflow and natural light, effectively creating a tranquil environment amidst urban surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A carefully selected palette of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and durability. Key components include prefabricated solid walls composed of pressed concrete, which enhance structural integrity and reduce construction duration, and XPS insulation that ensures thermal efficiency. The inclusion of a green roof not only improves building insulation but also supports urban biodiversity. Unique features such as biodegradable fish scale tiles for flooring and a dry wall system consisting of gypsum board further highlight the ecological considerations embedded in the design. Additionally, active design elements like solar panels facilitate off-grid energy use, while xeriscaping techniques and drip irrigation contribute to effective water management, enhancing the overall environmental performance of the residence.

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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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