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Windcatcher Design Featuring Cavity Walls and Sustainable Materials for Desert Living

Windcatcher Design Featuring Cavity Walls and Sustainable Materials for Desert Living
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Incorporating a windcatcher system and cavity walls, the design maximizes natural ventilation and thermal efficiency, serving as a sustainable residential solution in a desert environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a windcatcher system to facilitate passive cooling throughout the interior.
02
Utilizes cavity walls for improved thermal insulation and moisture control.
03
Features vertical gardens integrated into the exterior for enhanced biodiversity.
04
Employs large glass openings to promote natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.
05
Design respects local cultural context through modern interpretations of traditional forms.

**Overview**

Located in proximity to Dubai's arid desert landscape, TIBIA House exemplifies a design philosophy that marries traditional architectural principles with contemporary sustainability. The intent of the design is to create a living environment that respects local cultural identity while addressing ecological considerations. The project serves as a prototype for future dwellings that prioritize environmental sustainability and community connection.

**Architectural Layout and Spatial Dynamics**

The design features a two-story layout, emphasizing a balance between communal and private areas. The ground floor is anchored by a central atrium that facilitates natural ventilation and light, aligning with traditional architectural elements while providing modern living comforts. Large open spaces are incorporated to enhance social interaction and foster a sense of community. The upper floor offers a more private atmosphere, with rooms designed according to biophilic principles, integrating organic forms and fluid transitions to promote serenity and a connection to the surrounding environment.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Strategies**

A diverse range of materials has been employed, each selected for its functional and ecological properties. Cavity walls provide improved thermal insulation, while fiber cement (Trianasena) ensures structural stability in harsh climates. Brick connects traditional craftsmanship to contemporary practices, contributing to durability and thermal mass, and glass is strategically used to optimize natural light and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Sustainability initiatives are integral to the design, including a rainwater harvesting system and solar panels, allowing for energy independence and reduced environmental impact. The layout also promotes community interaction, positioning TIBIA House as a key element within the larger community framework.

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The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

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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