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Thermoblock Insulation and Indoor Gardens Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Contemporary Residential Design

Thermoblock Insulation and Indoor Gardens Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Contemporary Residential Design
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Incorporating Thermoblock insulation and expansive indoor gardens, this residence optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining cultural relevance through a modern interpretation of traditional design elements for a family-oriented living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Thermoblock insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Features an indoor garden integrated into the living space for improved air quality.
03
Incorporates solar panels seamlessly into the sloped roof design.
04
Employs transparent rolling shutters for adaptive light control and privacy.
05
Includes a Majlis area reflecting cultural traditions within a modern context.

### Overview

The Future House is located in the United Arab Emirates, where it seeks to balance modern architectural sensibilities with traditional elements. The design aims to harmoniously integrate sustainability, efficiency, and advanced materials while respecting the cultural heritage of the region. This project embodies a narrative that connects historical influences with contemporary needs and technologies.

### Design Philosophy: Interweaving Tradition and Modernity

The design philosophy reflects a commitment to fusing historical architectural values with modern practices. By incorporating traditional elements alongside contemporary architectural features, the residence articulates a narrative that spans different time periods. This hybrid approach is fundamental to the project’s identity, distinguishing it from more conventional designs by illustrating how tradition can coexist alongside innovation.

### Materiality and Environmental Response

The material palette includes Thermoblock for insulation, solar panels for energy efficiency, transparent rolling shutters for light management, and glass for visual connectivity with the surroundings. The use of Thermoblock not only enhances energy performance due to its superior insulation properties but also fulfills aesthetic requirements. Solar panels are strategically positioned to optimize energy capture, while rolling shutters and extensive glazing promote both functionality and visual harmony. Collectively, these materials support the project's commitment to sustainability while enhancing its architectural appeal.

### Spatial Organization: Enhancing Privacy and Functionality

The spatial layout effectively separates private and public areas, stressing the cultural importance of privacy in Emirati homes. A central indoor garden enhances air quality and provides a serene retreat. Multi-functional spaces, such as the Majlis and family living areas, facilitate social interaction, aligning with cultural norms. The circulation within the house is designed for easy navigation and accessibility, further contributing to its livability.

Each design element, from the innovative sloped roof to the expansive glass surfaces, not only emphasizes aesthetic considerations but also addresses practical challenges related to climate and energy use. The roof's angle is optimized for solar exposure, while the design as a whole engages meaningfully with its environment, ensuring that both functionality and beauty are prioritized throughout.

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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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