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Vertical Gardens and Wind Towers in Sustainable Family Housing
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Incorporating vertical gardens and a wind tower for natural ventilation, this residential design emphasizes sustainable living while offering a functional and inviting space for family gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a wind tower for passive cooling and natural ventilation.
02
Features vertical gardens integrated into the facade for improved air quality.
03
Constructed using prefabricated elements to optimize assembly efficiency.
04
Utilizes timber shutters for privacy while enhancing light control.
05
Includes a majlis space designed for cultural gatherings and community interaction.

## Project Overview

DUBiHIVE is located in Dubai, reflecting the city's contemporary design ethos while incorporating traditional influences. The project aims to provide an innovative and sustainable living environment, prioritizing both the well-being of residents and environmental stewardship through thoughtful architectural solutions.

### Spatial Configuration and Cultural Integration

The design is organized over two levels, ensuring a functional flow that encourages social interaction while respecting individual privacy. The ground floor features a majlis, dining room, kitchen, utility spaces, and direct access to an outdoor swimming pool through a landscaped garden. On the first floor, private bedrooms are arranged along shared corridors, promoting community ties within a culturally relevant framework. This layout acknowledges Emirati traditions, where multifunctional spaces adapt to evolving family needs.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Identity

DUBiHIVE employs a diverse array of materials designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, offering durability. Natural timber introduces warmth, complemented by large glass openings that maximize daylight. Plaster finishes contribute to visual smoothness, and fiberboard used in internal partitions supports lightweight construction. Additionally, natural mineral insulation is utilized for improved energy efficiency. The strategic inclusion of foliage and vertical gardens not only beautifies the environment but also enhances indoor air quality.

### Sustainability Strategies

The project incorporates multiple sustainability features to optimize energy use and minimize environmental impact. A wind tower facilitates passive ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof harness solar energy, while accompanying solar batteries ensure long-term energy independence. Water management systems, including greywater recycling, further promote resource efficiency. By prioritizing ample natural light and access to green spaces, DUBiHIVE fosters a healthy living environment that supports the physical and psychological well-being of its inhabitants.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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