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Thermal Mass and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Coastal Housing

Thermal Mass and Wind-Catchers in Sustainable Coastal Housing
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Incorporating wind-catchers and utilizing thermal mass, this coastal housing solution effectively enhances natural ventilation while providing a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind-catchers for enhanced air circulation.
02
Utilizes thermal mass for natural temperature regulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for structural efficiency.
04
Constructed with durable concrete and expansive glass elements.
05
Integrates rounded forms to improve aesthetic cohesion with the coastal environment.

### Project Overview
Located in Jumeirah Bay Beach, Dubai, UAE, the Wind Waker project was developed for the House of the Future Architecture Competition. The design integrates elements of traditional Chinese Yao Dong architecture with Arab Malqaf features, creating an architectural expression that is responsive to cultural narratives and environmental conditions in a dynamic urban context.

### Cultural Synthesis and Environmental Adaptation
The project strategically combines design philosophies from two distinct cultures, emphasizing thermal comfort and passive cooling. Yao Dong features, which rely on underground thermal mass, address Dubai's extreme temperatures, while the incorporation of Malqaf towers enhances natural ventilation through effective air circulation. This approach not only fosters comfort but also serves as a dialogue between different architectural traditions, illustrating how they can coexist and inform contemporary design.

### Spatial Organization and Material Choices
The layout prioritizes family interaction alongside private retreats, with common spaces fluidly connecting to private areas. The exterior showcases a fluid form characterized by rounded corners and wave-like surfaces, complemented by materials such as concrete for durability and expansive glass for natural light and views. Interior spaces utilize hardwood flooring for warmth, ceramic tiles for practicality, and resilient countertop finishes, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Features inspired by Yao Dong and Malqaf collectively contribute to a sustainable living environment, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and enhancing the overall user experience.

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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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