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Charred Screens and Renewable Materials Define a Sustainable Family Residence in Dubai

Author:
Murat Gedi̇k
Charred Screens and Renewable Materials Define a Sustainable Family Residence in Dubai

Project in-detail

Employing charred wood screens for privacy and natural ventilation, this sustainable residence in Dubai integrates local materials and energy-efficient systems to create an inviting family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wood screens provide effective privacy while promoting natural airflow.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and aesthetic appeal.
04
Landscaped courtyards incorporate traditional Islamic garden principles for tranquility.
05
Locally sourced materials reduce the carbon footprint and connect the residence to its environment.

### Overview

Al Shams House is situated in Dubai, reflecting a commitment to contemporary residential design that harmonizes urban sustainability and cultural heritage. Designed in alignment with the UAE’s vision for 2050, the house represents the amalgamation of modern architectural practices and traditional Islamic influences. The project aims to provide a sustainable living environment while emphasizing the importance of local narratives in an increasingly urban landscape.

### Sustainable Design and Materiality

The architectural framework emphasizes sustainability through the integration of efficient energy systems and environmentally conscious material selection. Key features include solar chimneys for natural ventilation and the use of locally sourced materials to minimize carbon footprints. The façade employs geometric patterns and screens, which are inspired by traditional Islamic art, allowing for optimal airflow and natural light while ensuring privacy. The use of concrete and reinforced steel enhances durability and resilience to the regional climate, while high windows of glass facilitate daylight penetration, fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The layout of Al Shams House is carefully crafted to balance communal and private spaces. The ground floor consists of open areas, including a living room and kitchen designed to promote family interaction, with high ceilings and expansive windows to maximize natural light. In contrast, private zones on the upper floor ensure family privacy with thoughtful transitions to enhance comfort. Additionally, the landscaped garden incorporates traditional Islamic elements, creating a serene environment complemented by water features that contribute to the microclimate, fostering relaxation and social engagement.

### Innovative Features

Distinctive elements of the design include strategically positioned solar panels that harness renewable energy, significantly reducing operational costs. The house also serves as a community model, aiming to improve living conditions for residents, particularly in need of affordable housing solutions. By interweaving modern architectural design with cultural significance, Al Shams House establishes a residential environment that resonates with the rich historical context of the UAE while addressing the contemporary challenges of urban living.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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