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Water Feature and Natural Ventilation in a Sandy Concrete Residence with Cultural Heritage Elements

Water Feature and Natural Ventilation in a Sandy Concrete Residence with Cultural Heritage Elements
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Incorporating a central water feature and natural ventilation strategies, the residence utilizes sandy concrete and local ceramic tiles to reflect the cultural heritage of Qatar while providing functional living spaces for communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes sandy concrete for thermal efficiency and local aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a central courtyard designed for natural cooling and ventilation.
03
Incorporates local ceramic tiles to reflect cultural heritage.
04
Integrates vertical access systems for enhanced mobility across floors.
05
Design includes expansive open areas to promote communal interaction.

## Overview
Located in Qatar, the design of the Qatari House reflects a contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural forms, aiming to enhance both private and communal living experiences. Developed as part of an architecture competition, the project seeks to establish a dialogue between heritage and functionality, creating spaces that respond to the needs of modern residents while honoring regional building practices.

### Spatial Arrangement
The design strategically differentiates between public and private areas. The upper levels encompass personal living quarters, ensuring privacy, while the ground and underground floors are dedicated to social interaction. This arrangement facilitates movement throughout the house while allowing residents to maintain a sense of seclusion when desired. Key architectural features, such as a central courtyard, further enhance natural ventilation and light distribution, serving as a focal point for both aesthetics and environmental comfort.

### Materiality and Natural Integration
The material choices in this project are fundamental to both the sensory experience and the environmental strategy. A combination of a steel frame, sandy concrete, and local ceramics provides structural integrity and cultural resonance. The use of marble tiles in the interior spaces reflects a commitment to luxury while allowing for effective light manipulation. Additionally, the incorporation of a central courtyard with a water feature not only demonstrates traditional cooling methods but also contributes to the overall thermal comfort essential in the desert climate. Landscaping elements, including palm trees, enhance the visual appeal and ensure shaded areas for cooling, reinforcing the connection between the constructed environment and its natural surroundings.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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