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Thermal Mass Walls and Cultural Integration in Eco-Friendly Residential Design

Thermal Mass Walls and Cultural Integration in Eco-Friendly Residential Design
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Incorporating thermal mass walls and traditional Mashrabiya elements, this eco-friendly residence fosters natural ventilation and cultural harmony, serving as a comfortable home for family living in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates local earth for thermal mass, enhancing indoor climate control.
02
Features traditional Mashrabiya panels for privacy and airflow.
03
Utilizes passive cooling strategies tailored to the Dubai climate.
04
Integrates flexible layouts to accommodate expanding family needs.
05
Includes strategically placed courtyards for natural light and ventilation.

### Overview
“The Breathable House” is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is designed to respond to the specific cultural and climatic context of the region. The project integrates traditional Emirati architectural practices with contemporary design strategies to promote sustainability and enhance living environments.

### Spatial Organization
The design employs a courtyard typology that distinctly separates public and private areas, accommodating both social gatherings and family interactions. Public zones are designed for guests, while private spaces ensure comfort and intimacy for residents. This arrangement reflects cultural customs regarding privacy and hospitality, fostering a sense of community while preserving individual sanctuaries. The inclusion of courtyards further enhances the living experience by providing light, ventilation, and climatic buffers.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The materiality of the house prioritizes sustainability and environmental integration. Key materials include locally sourced earth for walls, which provides thermal mass, and wood used in Mashrabiya panels that facilitate airflow while ensuring privacy. Glass is strategically incorporated for natural light, while stone flooring combines durability with an aesthetic that resonates with the surroundings. Textiles, such as canopies, enhance shading and cooling through natural ventilation methods. This careful selection promotes a sustainable living environment while adhering to local climatic conditions, thereby exemplifying a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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