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Water Wall System Enhances Energy Efficiency in a Modular Home

Authors:
Mohamed Elsherbeny, Ahmed Tarek, Taher Elaskary, Nourhane El-haridi
Water Wall System Enhances Energy Efficiency in a Modular Home
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The incorporation of a water wall system enhances thermal efficiency while using clear solar glass technology to generate energy, creating a modular home designed for sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The water wall system replaces traditional walls, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Condensing technology allows for water collection from the air.
03
Modular design accommodates various climatic conditions effectively.
04
The floor mechanism incorporates flexible wooden tubes for structural adaptability.
05
Clear solar glass enables windows to function as energy-generating panels.

The modular home emphasizes sustainability and efficiency through advanced prefabrication techniques. Located in an area suitable for both warm and cold climates, it serves as a single-family residence designed as a standalone unit. The overall concept focuses on interconnected high-tech blocks that streamline delivery and construction, making the building process quicker and less resource-intensive.

Wind Analysis Integration

A core aspect of the design is its adaptability to various climatic conditions. The home is tailored to perform well by incorporating environmental factors such as wind speed and direction into its structure. The inspiration from the Wind Rose concept provides insight into local wind patterns, directing the orientation and layout to improve energy efficiency.

Spatial Organization

The home layout is organized into five slices based on the wind rose analysis, aiding in modular assembly while ensuring structural stability. This organization enhances transportation logistics and promotes efficient space usage. The design includes distinct functional areas, such as living spaces, bedrooms, and service zones that cater to the daily needs of its occupants.

Water Conservation Strategy

An important feature of the design is the water wall, which replaces traditional masonry with containers filled with water. This choice takes advantage of water’s higher heat capacity, contributing to improved energy efficiency. Additionally, the home uses condensing technology to extract moisture from the air, providing potable water and reducing reliance on bottled water, which helps minimize plastic waste.

Innovative Floor Mechanism

The floor mechanism employs a system similar to a hand fan, combining flexible wooden tubes with fixed iron cone shapes anchored into the ground. This design allows for a strong yet adaptable structure, ensuring stability while making assembly easier. It also enhances the building's interaction with its environment.

Integrated Solar Technology

The design includes clear solar glass technology that allows windows to function as solar panels. This dual function captures solar energy while providing natural light, contributing to a reduced energy footprint and maintaining visual openness within the home.

The combination of these design elements illustrates a modern approach to residential living that focuses on functionality and ecological responsibility. Emphasizing water walls and solar technologies highlights the connection between the built environment and the natural world, paving the way for future developments in housing design.

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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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