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Triangular Canopy and Limestone Facade in a Family-Centered Residence

Triangular Canopy and Limestone Facade in a Family-Centered Residence
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The angular canopy and expansive glass facades of the residence create a modern interpretation of traditional Emirati living, centered around a private courtyard designed to foster family interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence incorporates a triangular canopy that enhances shading and natural ventilation.
02
Large glass panels are utilized to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
03
The design features a central courtyard that promotes family interaction and privacy.
04
Sustainability is emphasized through provisions for rainwater harvesting and solar panel integration.
05
Traditional Emirati architectural elements are integrated with modern design to reflect cultural heritage.

**Overview**

Located in Dubai, UAE, the design project reflects a synthesis of modern aesthetics and traditional Emirati architectural elements, aiming to address the contemporary living needs of families while honoring cultural heritage. The configuration organizes the residence into three distinct zones: a guest block, a family block, and a service block, all centered around an Arabian-style courtyard. This U-shaped arrangement facilitates social interaction and community engagement while providing necessary privacy from external environments.

**Spatial Layout and User Experience**

The ground floor features a semi-private front yard that connects seamlessly to the central courtyard, providing access to both the guest and family zones. The guest block is designed for hospitality, offering a comfortable space for visitors, while the family block encompasses living areas and bedrooms intended to foster warmth and connection among family members. The first floor maintains this thoughtful design approach, incorporating balconies and open living spaces that encourage visibility and interaction while ensuring privacy.

**Materiality and Sustainability Initiatives**

The design employs a diverse palette of materials chosen for both their aesthetic and functional attributes. Locally sourced limestone serves as the primary exterior finish, enhancing reflective properties to mitigate heat gain. Large glass panels are integrated into the facade to maximize natural light and create a visual continuum between indoor and outdoor spaces. The roofing features an innovative canopy for shading, contributing to climate adaptation strategies. Furthermore, the project incorporates sustainable initiatives such as strategically placed openings for natural ventilation, planned solar panels for energy efficiency, and a rainwater harvesting system, all reinforcing an eco-conscious approach to contemporary living. The predominantly white color scheme not only echoes cultural values but also facilitates interior climate control.

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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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