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Textured Stone Forms Harmonizing with Natural Light in a Desert Habitat
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Utilizing Fibonacci-inspired forms and textured stone to create a seamless connection with the Wadi Rum landscape, the structure serves as a residential space that encourages exploration and reflection amidst a rich cultural narrative.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fibonacci sequences shape the overall form, enhancing harmony with the landscape.
02
Natural stone façade integrates seamlessly with the surrounding geology.
03
Large openings facilitate dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
04
Unique subterranean spaces create a climate-responsive living environment.
05
Textured finishes evoke the desert terrain, enhancing tactile engagement.

## Overview
The "Home of Shadow" is located within the Wadi Rum region, a landscape recognized for its striking geological formations and cultural heritage. The intent of the design is to explore the intersection of narrative and architecture by creating a dwelling that reflects the philosophical themes of coexistence between humans and supernatural elements, as illustrated through the characters of Aylin and Dmain. This project aims to facilitate a dialogue between different realms of existence, represented through both the physical structure and its contextual backdrop.

## Spatial Connectivity
### Celestial Harmony
The architectural framework introduces the concept of "Celestial Harmony," which promotes an intrinsic relationship between human experience and the natural environment. Utilizing advanced computational design techniques, the structure integrates with the rugged topography, ensuring that the building maintains a distinct identity while simultaneously respecting its surroundings. This architectural approach emphasizes the fluidity of spaces, allowing for a cohesive interaction between the inhabitants and the landscape.

### Innovative Morphology
The design employs the Fibonacci sequence to create organic forms that resonate with natural patterns, enhancing spatial connectivity and promoting an exploration of light and shadow within the interior. Each functional area is interlinked, guided by fluid transitions and elevators that navigate through layered levels. The arrangement of spaces, from communal gathering areas to private retreats, is informed by principles of light maximization and environmental connection.

## Material Considerations
### Material Selection
The choice of materials for the "Home of Shadow" reflects both resilience and an aesthetic kinship with Wadi Rum's geological features. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, natural stone for contextual engagement, and glass to optimize views and natural illumination. Textured finishes further enhance the building's integration with its environment, simulating organic forms found in nature.

### Functional Aesthetics
Beyond their physical properties, the selected materials evoke emotional and sensory responses, allowing occupants to forge a tangible connection with the arid landscape. The design's emphasis on textured surfaces and visual continuity fosters an immersive experience, prompting inhabitants to engage with the home in a meaningful manner, thereby elevating the dwelling experience beyond mere functionality.

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The Home of 
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20,000 USD Prize
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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