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Charred Timber Shingles and Expansive Glass Create a Community-Centric Modular Living Solution

Charred Timber Shingles and Expansive Glass Create a Community-Centric Modular Living Solution
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Utilizing charred timber shingles and expansive glass elements, the design integrates an adaptable modular system that promotes community interaction while providing sustainable living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and reduce maintenance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes an inner courtyard to foster community interaction among residents.
05
Allows for flexible modular configurations to adapt to changing family needs.

### Architectural Design Report: "Connect" Modular Home System

#### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the "Connect" modular home system is designed to address the evolving residential landscape of the region. The intent is to create adaptable living spaces that meet diverse residential needs while integrating contemporary design principles. The architectural approach is rooted in modularity and sustainability, reflecting both local culture and modern lifestyles.

#### Spatial Configuration

The design features a dual-wing arrangement in an L-shape, forming an inner courtyard that enhances community interaction. This courtyard serves as a central gathering area, promoting social connections while providing separation between public and private domains. The thoughtful organization of walls and windows facilitates this distinction, allowing residents to enjoy personal spaces without sacrificing a sense of connection to their surroundings.

Key aspects of the spatial strategy include:

- **Inner Courtyard**: Provides natural light and ventilation, fostering a communal atmosphere.
- **Defined Zones**: The deliberate layout ensures that private areas are preserved even as social spaces encourage interaction.

#### Modular Design and Materiality

The modular structure employs integrated systems that support flexible living arrangements. Each unit can be tailored to meet the needs of its inhabitants, departing from traditional housing models. Standardized components, including load-bearing modules, streamline the construction process and facilitate deployment across multiple sites.

Material choices are integral to the project's sustainability and performance:

- **Precast Concrete**: Utilized for its strength and efficiency in assembly.
- **Wood Facades**: Introduces warmth to the design and enhances aesthetic diversity.
- **Glass Surfaces**: Maximizes natural lighting, reducing reliance on artificial sources during daylight hours.
- **Thermal Insulation**: Essential for energy efficiency, ensuring comfort while minimizing resource usage.

This combination of materials not only supports durability and low maintenance but also aligns with the climatic demands of Dubai.

#### Design Outcomes

The outcomes of this modular home system highlight key features that support its functionality and user experience:

1. **Adaptability**: The design allows for various configurations and expansions, accommodating changing resident needs.
2. **Energy Efficiency**: Features such as movable sun protection systems are tailored to the region's climate, improving energy performance.
3. **Open Layout**: The spatial flow promotes ease of movement and interaction, while private areas allow for restful retreat.

Additional characteristics underscore its commitment to social sustainability, including community-oriented solutions that foster interactions among residents while respecting individual privacy. Options for future expansion address changing demographics and market demands, reinforcing its relevance in a dynamic urban context.

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competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
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Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
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Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
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Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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