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Windcatchers and Recycled Palm Forms in a Sustainable Family Retreat
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Utilizing windcatchers for natural ventilation and recycled palm forms for structural elements, the design creates a sustainable environment that fosters family connection and community within a mini hotel setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes windcatchers for enhanced natural ventilation throughout the structure.
02
Incorporates recycled palm forms as primary structural elements to promote sustainability.
03
Features a terraced layout that optimizes outdoor space for community interaction.
04
Employs green wall systems to improve air quality and increase biodiversity.
05
Integrates flexible spaces that allow for personalized family use and adaptation over time.

**Location and Intent**
The Family Oasis project is a mini hotel situated in Dubai, a city known for its distinct blend of urban and desert environments. The design emphasizes eco-friendly living while honoring Emirati cultural heritage. Central to the concept is the notion of family unity, with an architectural approach aiming to create a space that encourages togetherness and reflects local traditions.

**Cultural and Spatial Strategy**
The design integrates elements inspired by traditional Emirati architecture, such as the **Majlis** and tent structures, while utilizing contemporary techniques to enhance functionality. The layered structure features varied heights and cantilevers that promote natural shading and outdoor connections. An emphasis on landscaped gardens with native plants invites nature into the urban fabric, facilitating a seamless interaction between interior and exterior spaces. Public areas, private quarters, and adaptable activity spaces ensure a balanced distribution that caters to both communal and individual needs.

**Sustainability and Materiality**
Sustainable practices are woven into the project's material selections, which include durable concrete, recyclable steel, and locally sourced recycled palm forms. Energy-efficient components such as solar glass and green wall systems contribute to the building's ecological performance. Passive solar strategies, including wind catchers and green roofs, are employed to enhance natural ventilation and mitigate heat, aligning the design with the climatic challenges of the region. This architectural approach not only fosters aesthetic value but also demonstrates a dedication to responsible development in the context of modern urban living.

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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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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.

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
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