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Wind Tower Utilization and Low-Carbon Concrete Construction in Sustainable Residential Design

Wind Tower Utilization and Low-Carbon Concrete Construction in Sustainable Residential Design
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Incorporating a wind tower for natural ventilation and constructed with low-carbon concrete, this residential design prioritizes sustainability while accommodating modern living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a traditional wind tower for passive cooling.
02
Constructed using low-carbon concrete to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a façade with textured elements for improved thermal performance.
04
Utilizes intelligent irrigation systems for water-efficient landscaping.
05
Designed with flexibility for future adaptations and expansions.

### Overview
Located in Dubai, this residential development emphasizes eco-sustainability, innovative construction techniques, and a blend of traditional and contemporary design elements. The intent is to create a living space that harmonizes with the local climate while providing modern comforts to its residents.

### Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates a two-level layout that distinguishes functional zones effectively. The ground floor includes service areas such as the kitchen, utility room, and garage, alongside communal living spaces that promote family interaction, including an open dining area that connects with an outdoor terrace through expansive windows and sliding doors. The first floor is dedicated to private living, featuring four bedrooms, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms that ensure resident privacy while maintaining visual and physical connections to the communal areas below.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The exterior of the building is characterized by a modern aesthetic that incorporates traditional Arabian motifs, highlighted by a modern reinterpretation of the wind tower. This feature enhances natural cooling, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. The façade utilizes varying textures, combining smooth surfaces with intricate patterned elements to reduce solar gain. Sustainable materials—including low-emissivity glass, recycled wood, low-carbon concrete, and gypsum board—are integral to the construction, promoting energy efficiency and reducing ecological impact.

Additional sustainability measures include strategically placed photovoltaic solar panels, an efficient heat pump system, intelligent irrigation, and passive ventilation strategies that collectively enhance the building's energy self-sufficiency. The design also anticipates future adaptability, allowing for potential expansion as the needs of its occupants evolve.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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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