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Vertical Gardens and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Living in Natural Timber Framework

Vertical Gardens and Wind Catchers Enhance Sustainable Living in Natural Timber Framework
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Incorporating wind catchers and vertical gardens within a natural timber framework, this residence in Dubai harmonizes environmental sensitivity with functionality to create a sustainable living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional wind catchers for natural ventilation.
02
Features vertical gardens that enhance air quality and aesthetics.
03
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Uses charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
05
Emphasizes outdoor living with multiple private terraces for residents.

# Analytical Report on the Iqbal Home Project in Dubai

## Project Overview

Located in a densely populated area of Dubai, the Iqbal Home project integrates sustainable architectural practices with a focus on cultural heritage. The design responds to the region's extreme climatic conditions while addressing contemporary living requirements. The intent is to blend traditional Emirati architectural elements with modern functionality, ensuring both aesthetic integrity and practicality.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The layout of the Iqbal Home is designed to promote both privacy and community interaction. The ground floor features a spacious garage, a service block, guest accommodations, and private outdoor areas, facilitating ease of access to shared living spaces. On the first floor, bedrooms include private terraces that not only optimize views but also provide quiet retreats from communal areas. The thoughtful arrangement exemplifies a balance between openness and intimacy, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Architectural Features and Sustainability

Key architectural elements include a wind catcher (Malqaf), which utilizes natural ventilation to maintain indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, intricately designed Mashrabiya screens offer privacy and filter light and air, enriching the living environment. The integration of vertical gardens throughout the property enhances natural aesthetics and improves air quality, aligning with sustainable practices.

The project incorporates a range of eco-friendly elements, such as strategically placed solar panels and systems that ensure optimal ventilation. This commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the circulation patterns designed to promote ease of movement while minimizing energy use. The Iqbal Home serves as a model for environmentally responsible residential design that honors its cultural context.

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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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