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Wool Bricks and Hydro Ceramics Forming Sustainable Living Spaces in a Modern Courtyard Design

Wool Bricks and Hydro Ceramics Forming Sustainable Living Spaces in a Modern Courtyard Design
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Utilizing wool bricks and hydro ceramics, the design integrates traditional elements with modern sustainability in a courtyard layout, fostering community living while adapting to Dubai's climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wool bricks for enhanced thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact.
02
Incorporates hydro ceramics to regulate indoor temperatures naturally.
03
Features traditional wind catchers for efficient passive cooling.
04
Adopts a central courtyard layout to encourage community interactions and ventilation.
05
Integrates grey water recycling systems to minimize water waste in the household.

### Concept Overview
Located in Dubai, the House of the Future investigates the integration of traditional Middle Eastern architectural elements with contemporary sustainable practices. The design seeks to honor the region's rich heritage while proposing innovative solutions for modern living. Emphasizing community living, environmental stewardship, and energy efficiency, it reflects a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture.

### Spatial Strategy and Climatic Adaptation
The layout of the building is organized around a central courtyard, facilitating airflow and natural cooling, while also serving as a communal space for residents. This decision is deeply rooted in the concept of traditional courtyard houses, which are adept at creating cooler microclimates in arid environments. The incorporation of wind catchers, a traditional design element, enhances natural ventilation, contributing to thermal comfort within the home. Additionally, the design utilizes the heat stack effect to draw cooler air from underground, promoting temperature regulation throughout the interior spaces.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette prioritizes sustainability and environmental impact, featuring wool bricks produced from natural fibers to enhance structural strength. Hydro ceramics are incorporated for their thermal regulation capabilities, while pressed aluminum is employed in wind catchers for effective air circulation. Interior finishes consist of timber and glass, creating a balance between warmth and modernity. The design includes grey water recycling systems to minimize water waste, alongside solar panels and water harvesters to promote energy self-sufficiency. Moreover, the overall construction adheres to principles of energy efficiency and responsible resource management.

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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.

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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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