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Thermal Mass Strategy Using Local Stone and Sustainable Materials for a Community-Focused Residential Villa

Thermal Mass Strategy Using Local Stone and Sustainable Materials for a Community-Focused Residential Villa
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Harnessing the thermal properties of local stone and integrating rainwater harvesting systems, the design creates a sustainable residential villa that fosters community engagement while respecting the surrounding desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to enhance structural stability and thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to support landscape irrigation and water conservation.
03
Features façade graphics inspired by local cultural motifs, creating visual interest.
04
Utilizes local stone for enhanced thermal mass and integration with the desert landscape.
05
Employs recycled wood for finishes, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

## Urban Veins - Growing Villa

The Urban Veins - Growing Villa is situated in an arid landscape and responds to both environmental and cultural factors. The design emphasizes sustainable architecture while engaging with the local ecosystem. The project explores the relationship between urban development and nature, exemplified through the integration of natural vegetation into the building's structure, which aims to enhance biodiversity and address ecological challenges commonly found in urban settings.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functionality

The villa's layout combines private and communal spaces to foster connectivity and enhance user experience. Functional areas are strategically distributed, including a garage that aligns with the building's aesthetic, private quarters featuring comfortable bedrooms and a master suite, and communal areas designed for interaction among residents and guests. Service areas, including kitchens and storage, are thoughtfully integrated to promote efficient household management. Overall, the master plan prioritizes inclusivity, creating an environment that encourages community ties while maintaining personal privacy.

### Material and Architectural Elements

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and local traditions. The design incorporates local stone for its thermal mass, insulating glass to optimize energy efficiency, and recycled wood in interior finishes. Additionally, the inclusion of solar panels supports renewable energy generation, while traditional plaster is used for its thermal performance and aesthetic contributions. Unique architectural features such as innovative façade graphics create engaging visual dynamics, while rainwater harvesting and a community landscape park enhance ecological sensitivity in the area. The design also accommodates future adaptability, enabling horizontal and vertical expansion as the needs of inhabitants evolve.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

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
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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