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Wind-Catching Design Utilizing Light Concrete and Integrated Green Spaces for Modern Living
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Leveraging the traditional wind-catcher for passive cooling, this residence integrates light concrete and ample green spaces to create a comfortable, sustainable environment for modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a traditional wind-catcher for enhanced passive cooling.
02
Incorporates extensive green spaces within the residential footprint.
03
Features light grey concrete with textured finishes for aesthetic appeal.
04
Designed with multi-level stepping to reduce visual bulk.
05
Integrates accessibility features throughout the layout for inclusivity.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Build Catch presents an innovative residential design that addresses both aesthetic and functional requirements, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity. The project incorporates traditional architectural elements, particularly the wind-catcher, reflecting a blend of historic significance and contemporary living standards. This design strategy is aimed at enhancing natural ventilation and thermal comfort, essential in the region's arid climate.

### Spatial Strategy and Communal Focus

The layout of Build Catch is methodically designed to balance communal and private spaces. Key spatial strategies include the integration of courtyards that serve as central gathering points, fostering community interaction while ensuring privacy for residents. The building's stepping profile introduces variability in height, which not only enhances visual appeal but also reduces the perceived mass of the structure. Additionally, the circulation paths throughout the home have been thoughtfully arranged to promote smooth movement and connection between spaces.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choice is integral to the design, both for aesthetic cohesion and functional performance. The use of light grey concrete for structural elements provides a modern appearance, while off-white stucco enhances heat reflection, thereby improving energy efficiency. Wooden components are utilized in shading structures to add warmth and texture, contributing to comfort without compromising on style. Steel elements finished in electrostatic black reinforce structural integrity while offering a contemporary industrial aesthetic. These materials collectively demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, supporting passive cooling and reducing reliance on energy-intensive systems.

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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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