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Wind Towers and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Residence with Local Materials

Wind Towers and Natural Ventilation in a Sustainable Residence with Local Materials
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Utilizing local Areesha wood and innovative wind towers for natural ventilation, this residence exemplifies efficient design in a sustainable framework, promoting comfort and connection to the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local Areesha wood to reflect regional craftsmanship and sustainability.
02
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation, minimizing energy use.
03
Features a flexible, H-shaped layout that promotes indoor-outdoor interaction.
04
Employs sand dune shading devices to regulate sunlight and enhance privacy.
05
Integrates recycled aluminum elements for a low-impact construction approach.

## Overview

The Reflection House is an architectural design situated within a specific environmental context, prioritizing sustainability alongside cultural preservation. The design integrates modern techniques with elements of vernacular architecture to foster an appropriate connection to local traditions and environmental conditions. It incorporates an H-shaped massing, which cultivates intimate living spaces and creates semi-courtyards aimed at enhancing natural light and airflow.

### Architectural Composition and Spatial Strategy

The layout comprises two primary masses linked by an elevated section featuring traditional wind tower structures known as *barjeel*. This configuration facilitates natural ventilation, optimizing indoor comfort by harnessing prevailing breezes. The sliding panels within the interior allow for flexible spatial organization, enabling residents to adjust the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. This adaptability supports a lifestyle that emphasizes a continuous interaction with nature and encourages social engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic integrity. Key materials include:

- **Recycled Aluminum** for the *barjeel* and shading devices, promoting resource efficiency.
- **Areesha Wood**, a local material that enriches the structure and interior with natural textures.
- **Concrete**, utilized extensively for its durability and structural capabilities.
- **Sand Dune Shading Devices**, designed to regulate sunlight while referencing the surrounding landscape.

These materials, combined with passive design strategies such as wind catchers and substantial natural ventilation, significantly reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems, demonstrating a proactive approach to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

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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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