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Charred Timber Facade and 3D Printed Structure Defining Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Mohammed Musaib Shariff Arifulla Shariff
Charred Timber Facade and 3D Printed Structure Defining Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred timber cladding and advanced 3D printing methods, the design embodies a sustainable approach to urban living with customizable spaces for contemporary residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printing technology for structural components.
02
Incorporates salvaged wood to enhance sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for efficient space utilization.
04
Includes thermal heat sink materials for improved energy performance.
05
Integrates customizable templates for personalized living.

## Project Overview

Qalab is situated in a contemporary urban setting and addresses the evolving demands of housing through its focus on sustainability, customization, and functionality. The term "Qalab," which translates to "template" in Arabic, underscores the project's core intention of providing adaptable living spaces that meet individual needs. This initiative emphasizes the importance of personalization in residential architecture, allowing homeowners to create environments that reflect their unique lifestyles.

### Spatial Planning and User Adaptability

The design incorporates an innovative layout that allows for the strategic zoning of private and communal areas. Adaptive orientation optimizes the placement of the structure to enhance energy efficiency through natural light and ventilation. Interior spaces are designed for flexibility, allowing for multiple functionalities to accommodate changing homeowner requirements. Features such as open living areas are intended to encourage interaction, while dedicated spaces for bedrooms and offices provide comfort and productivity, all designed with careful considerations for natural lighting and insulation.

### Sustainable Materiality and Technological Integration

Qalab employs a range of carefully selected materials aimed at achieving sustainability objectives. Structural elements are designed for 3D printing, which facilitates rapid construction and minimizes waste. The use of salvaged wood reduces reliance on new timber, directly addressing deforestation concerns. Additional elements such as thermal heat sink materials contribute to regulating indoor temperatures, and the intricately designed 3D printed roof enhances both aesthetics and structural integrity. Moreover, provisions for smart technology integration promote energy conservation and efficient home management, further aligning with contemporary sustainability practices.

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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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