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Windcatcher Design Enhancing Natural Ventilation with Sustainable Materials
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Incorporating a windcatcher for passive cooling and large glass panels to enhance natural light, the design harmoniously integrates sustainable materials to create a modern residential space in Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional windcatchers for natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes large glass panels for seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame structure for architectural intrigue.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
05
Integrates sustainable landscaping within the design for ecological balance.

### Overview
The House of the Future in Dubai represents a significant advancement in residential architecture, set within the context of Dubai's dynamic urban landscape. This project aims to merge traditional design elements with modern functional requirements, addressing the challenges of contemporary living in arid environments.

### Material and Aesthetic Strategy
The project employs a diverse palette of materials, chosen for their functional and symbolic properties. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, ensuring durability, while gypsum is utilized for interior walls to enhance thermal insulation and achieve a refined finish. Large glass panels are strategically placed to maximize natural light, establish a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and promote energy efficiency. Wood elements introduce warmth, contrasting with the cooler tones of concrete and glass, while metal screens provide shading and privacy, facilitating ventilation.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The design prioritizes an interconnected layout that fosters both communal interactions and private retreats. Shared spaces are designed as open-plan areas that encourage social engagement, complemented by individual rooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets for comfort and privacy. The integration of landscaped "green pockets" within the structure enhances both the aesthetic appeal and air quality, contributing to the overall well-being of residents. Unique features such as a modernized wind catcher and a natural ventilation system optimize passive cooling and airflow, underscoring the project's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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