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Windcatchers and Polymer Harmony in Sustainable Community Living

Windcatchers and Polymer Harmony in Sustainable Community Living
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Employing polymer materials and climate-responsive windcatchers, the design creates a flexible and sustainable community environment that enhances family living through integrated green spaces and communal areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes polymer materials to enhance insulation and durability.
02
Incorporates windcatchers for natural ventilation throughout the community.
03
Features modular homes for customizable family living.
04
Includes communal gardens designed for local agricultural practices.
05
Employs native landscaping to promote biodiversity and reduce maintenance.

## Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the urban eco-village project is designed to serve as both a residential area and a community hub, aiming to enhance the quality of life for modern Emirati families. The project emphasizes interaction and connectivity among residents while addressing contemporary urban challenges through a focus on sustainable living and cultural heritage. This initiative seeks to provide a forward-thinking environment that promotes communal engagement and an environmentally responsible lifestyle.

## Layout and Spatial Organization

The design comprises several interconnected neighborhoods, each featuring homes tailored to accommodate modern family sizes. Central to the layout is the incorporation of shared communal spaces, including gardens for community agriculture and recreation, dedicated playgrounds for children, and facilities that foster social interaction, such as gathering spaces. The arrangement of homes in a layered formation ensures both privacy and security while allowing easy access to communal areas through interconnected walkways and green spaces.

## Materiality and Sustainable Design

A diverse selection of materials has been employed to meet the project's sustainability objectives. Key components include polymer base materials for wall construction, which provide thermal insulation and durability; wood details for functional aesthetics; and Solid Polymer Sheets (SPS) that enhance insulation and structural efficiency. Large expanses of glass facilitate natural light and create visual connections between indoor and outdoor environments. The landscaping incorporates native flora to promote biodiversity and establish a harmonious relationship with the local ecosystem. Additionally, the design incorporates renewable energy solutions and advanced water recycling systems, aligning with the project’s goals of self-sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Features such as high ceilings and shaded outdoor areas are intentionally designed to mitigate heat exposure, fostering comfortable living conditions in the region's climate.

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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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