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Charred Shingles and Green Concrete Combining Natural Cooling in a Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Fatimah Ali Abdullah Bin Awn
Charred Shingles and Green Concrete Combining Natural Cooling in a Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred shingles and green concrete, the design merges traditional cooling techniques with modern sustainability, creating a versatile residence that harmonizes with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes passive cooling strategies through a traditional wind tower design.
02
Employs green concrete to reduce carbon emissions during construction.
03
Features modular cubic volumes allowing for future adaptability.
04
Incorporates a greywater recycling system for enhanced water management.
05
Integrates native vegetation within landscaping for ecological compatibility.

### Overview
The residential house design reflects a harmonious integration of traditional and contemporary architectural elements, tailored to respond effectively to its geographical context. The incorporation of features such as a wind tower indicates a Middle Eastern influence and addresses the challenges posed by high temperatures in the region. The project emphasizes aesthetic appeal while maintaining functional versatility, ensuring it meets the needs of modern living.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Flexibility
The layout comprises four distinct floors, thoughtfully arranged to include open courtyards, living areas, and private utilities, which facilitate natural light and ventilation throughout the interior. Each spatial configuration promotes a dynamic flow between spaces, enhancing both communal activities and individual privacy. Additionally, the design allows for horizontal and vertical expansion, ensuring adaptability for future growth and changing family dynamics.

### Sustainable Materials and Techniques
A commitment to sustainability is evident in the selection of materials and design features. Green concrete serves as an eco-friendly choice, significantly reducing carbon emissions while providing durability. The inclusion of photovoltaic solar panels within the roofing system enables efficient harnessing of solar energy. Latticework on window openings not only enhances the building's architectural character but also aids in temperature regulation through improved airflow. Furthermore, the integration of an underground greywater recycling tank exemplifies efforts to optimize water usage within the home.

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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