Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Timber Facade with Breeze Blocks Enhances Privacy in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Quazi Fahima Naz, Subrata Sikder
Charred Timber Facade with Breeze Blocks Enhances Privacy in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred timber and enhanced by breeze blocks for ventilation, the design prioritizes energy efficiency and privacy in a modern residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred timber shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes breeze blocks to optimize ventilation while maintaining privacy.
03
Incorporates a double roof system for superior thermal regulation.
04
Features a dedicated Majlis area to honor cultural traditions of social interaction.
05
Designed with an open-plan layout to promote family connectivity and flexibility.

## Project Overview

The "House of the Future," located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, embodies a synthesis of traditional Emirati architectural elements and modern design principles. The project prioritizes functionality, privacy, and sustainability while addressing the region's unique climate and cultural context. By harmonizing traditional aesthetics with contemporary living requirements, the design aims to create a residential experience that respects cultural heritage and enhances quality of life.

## Spatial Integration and Design Philosophy

The design philosophy centers on creating a sanctuary that fosters privacy and comfort, while integrating environmental sustainability. Traditional architectural elements, such as the Majlis, segment social spaces for men and women, reinforcing cultural practices. The layout emphasizes a functional organization: family bedrooms are strategically placed on the upper floor for seclusion, while communal areas like the dining room and kitchen occupy the ground level to encourage familial interaction. Large open-plan spaces facilitate connectivity among residents, fulfilling contemporary living desires.

## Material and Climate Responsive Strategies

The project utilizes a selection of specialized materials to enhance both functionality and aesthetic expression. Breeze blocks serve as vertical and horizontal screens for ventilation and insulation, while photovoltaic cells integrated into the roof provide sustainable energy. A double roof system mitigates external heat, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. The incorporation of natural landscaping using local plants promotes ecological balance and minimizes water usage, aligning with the sustainability goals of the design.

Furthermore, solutions for natural ventilation include strategically placed windows that facilitate cross airflow, significantly reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems. The use of heavy materials contributes to thermal mass, helping regulate indoor temperatures against the extremes of Dubai's climate. Such thoughtful integration of environmental considerations not only enhances the inhabitants' comfort but also contributes to long-term energy efficiency.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`

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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy