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Charred Timber Screens and Natural Ventilation Define a Modern Family Residence in the UAE

Authors:
Milward Erly Aquise Apaza, Jose Saul Paredes Soncco, Estefania Cristina Estofanero Flores, Melany guadalupe Gallegos begazo
Charred Timber Screens and Natural Ventilation Define a Modern Family Residence in the UAE

Project in-detail

Charred timber screens elegantly regulate natural light and airflow while creating distinct zones of privacy in a modern residence designed to support family gatherings in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden screens provide both aesthetic appeal and functional privacy while maintaining airflow.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and sustainability.
03
A modular layout allows flexible use of space for evolving family dynamics.
04
The design incorporates interstitial areas for natural ventilation and cooling.
05
Landscaping integrates with the architecture to support biodiversity and outdoor connectivity.

### Overview

The House of the Future is situated in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to harmonize traditional Emirati values with contemporary architectural practices. This residential design focuses on creating a family-oriented environment that prioritizes privacy while adapting to the region's climatic challenges. Through its architectural strategies, the project seeks to foster a sense of community among residents while also creating intimate spaces for individual reflection.

### Spatial Strategy and Organization

The design employs a perimeter strategy that enhances privacy and optimizes environmental comfort through natural ventilation and light. The outer boundary incorporates vegetation, which not only contributes to aesthetic appeal but also offers passive cooling benefits. A modular grid system, based on a 30 cm x 30 cm plot, organizes spaces effectively, delineating areas of social interaction from those intended for private retreat. Interior spaces are layered to promote versatility, enabling various functions—from casual family gatherings to more formal social events.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection in the House of the Future reflects both its cultural context and functional aspirations. Concrete and masonry are used for structural integrity, while wood and glass are integrated to introduce warmth and transparency in living environments. Notably, traditional masonry screens, such as Mashrabiyas, serve to control light and privacy, aligning with local lifestyle needs. Thermal insulation is employed to enhance energy efficiency, further underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainable living. The innovative use of interstitial spaces facilitates natural ventilation, contributing to improved indoor air quality while reducing reliance on mechanical climate control systems.

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

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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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