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Textured Brick Facades and Pigmented Concrete Roofs in a Climate-Responsive Home

Textured Brick Facades and Pigmented Concrete Roofs in a Climate-Responsive Home
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With its pigmented concrete roof designed for passive ventilation and textured brick facades that enhance thermal comfort, the residence integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability to create a functional family home in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pigmented concrete roofs enhance thermal performance while reducing heat retention.
02
Textured brick facades create a tactile relationship with the surrounding environment.
03
Strategically placed ventilation openings facilitate natural airflow throughout the residence.
04
The design integrates traditional architectural elements with modern sustainable practices.
05
Outdoor spaces seamlessly connect with indoor living areas to promote an active lifestyle.

## Overview

The residential design is situated in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting a synthesis of traditional Arab architectural elements and modern design practices. The intent is to create a culturally relevant and environmentally sustainable living environment, carefully attuned to the region's climate, landscape, and heritage.

## Spatial Organization and Flow

The building's layout promotes fluidity and connection between interior and exterior spaces. Living areas, including the living room and dining spaces, are located on the ground floor to foster engagement with outdoor amenities such as gardens and a pool. This organization facilitates optimal views and enhances privacy. The upper level is dedicated to private zones, featuring multiple bedrooms equipped with dressing areas and en-suite washrooms, ensuring functionality for family living.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A deliberate choice of materials underlines a commitment to sustainability while also addressing climatic challenges. The use of pigmented concrete minimizes heat retention and reduces environmental impact by avoiding harmful paints. Additionally, the design incorporates natural textures and colors that reflect the surrounding landscape. Features such as undulating roofs not only add aesthetic appeal but also enhance air circulation and passive ventilation, optimizing indoor temperatures and air quality. The incorporation of traditional elements, such as the majlis, is reinterpreted in a modern context, blending warmth and cultural significance in the interior spaces. Roof vents and strategically positioned openings further facilitate natural airflow, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment.

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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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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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