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Wind Catchers and Recycled Materials in a Modular Habitat Designed for Desert Environments
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Incorporating wind catchers and recycled materials, the design creates a flexible habitat that harmonizes with both desert and coastal environments while promoting sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind catchers for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes recycled materials in facade design to reduce waste.
03
Features a modular layout allowing for flexible space configurations.
04
Integrates solar panels for renewable energy generation.
05
Employs bioclimatic strategies to optimize energy efficiency.

### Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design "Between the Sea and the Desert" engages with the region's distinctive geographical and climatic characteristics. The proposal aims to create a habitat that harmonizes the contrasting elements of the sea and the desert while addressing environmental challenges and cultural contexts. The intent is to foster a living experience that enriches the relationship between inhabitants and their natural surroundings.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction
The project features a thoughtful arrangement of spaces designed to fulfill specific functional and aesthetic needs. It includes adaptable housing modules that can be customized according to user requirements, along with dedicated service modules for essential utilities. Common areas promote social interaction, encouraging community engagement while maintaining individual privacy—a critical consideration in Emirati culture. Circulation patterns are established to differentiate between public and private zones, enhancing the user experience by reflecting the natural movement found in desert landscapes.

### Sustainable Features and Material Selection
Sustainability is a central theme in this design, employing various environmental strategies. Solar panels are integrated into the roofs to harness renewable energy, while natural ventilation techniques, such as wind catchers, optimize airflow to keep indoor spaces cool without excessive reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The project includes innovative water management systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, supporting responsible water usage.

In terms of materiality, the selection process prioritizes local climate appropriateness and aesthetic coherence. Key materials include structural steel for stability, prefabricated concrete for durability, recycled materials for privacy screens, and expansive glass openings to enhance visual connectivity with the environment. Wood accents are incorporated into interior finishes to add warmth and a nod to traditional craftsmanship.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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