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Charred Wood Accents and Smart Fabric Envelop a Sustainable Family Residence in the UAE

Authors:
Daniele Ferrari, Roberto Guillermo Blanco Illanes
Charred Wood Accents and Smart Fabric Envelop a Sustainable Family Residence in the UAE

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wood accents and an adaptive smart fabric façade, this sustainable residence in the UAE articulates a modern interpretation of cultural heritage while serving as a family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance and durability.
02
Smart fabric technology adjusts to environmental conditions for energy efficiency.
03
Curved façades promote natural ventilation and integrate with the landscape.
04
Central patio design fosters communal interaction and daylight penetration.
05
Use of recycled materials minimizes environmental impact throughout construction.

**Overview**

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project emphasizes a fusion of innovative architectural design and cultural heritage, prioritizing sustainability while reflecting traditional Emirati values. The intent is to create a forward-thinking residential environment that promotes ecological responsibility and cultural dialogue through its design elements, materials, and overall functionality.

**Material Innovation**

Sustainable material selection is central to the project's execution. The structure features recycled materials to minimize environmental impact and a durable exterior. An innovative smart solar fabric is employed in the façade, allowing for dynamic energy management by adjusting opacity based on environmental conditions, thereby optimizing thermal comfort. The use of sustainable concrete enhances structural integrity while ensuring energy efficiency. Interior finishes are crafted from bamboo and reclaimed wood, providing warmth and a connection to natural resources. Additionally, energy-efficient LED lighting is integrated to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

**Interior Configuration and Community Orientation**

The interior layout has been designed to foster community interaction and connectivity. The central patio acts as the heart of the home, facilitating natural light and airflow while encouraging social gatherings. The Majlis serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Emirati gathering spaces, offering both intimate seating and flexibility for various functions. The circular and semi-circular configurations of rooms enhance spatial connectivity, creating distinct atmospheres tailored for different activities. Careful consideration of lighting further enriches the experience, reflecting traditional narratives while promoting a welcoming ambiance.

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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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