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Charred Wood Accents Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Villa

Author:
Abeer Wahdain
Charred Wood Accents Enhance Sustainable Living in a Modern Emirati Villa

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood details and energy-efficient systems, the villa exemplifies sustainable living while fostering family connections in a modern Emirati context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management Features charred wood shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and insulation Includes extensive outdoor living spaces to promote family engagement Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and airflow.

### Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Zayed Family Villa embodies a modern interpretation of Emirati living while aligning with cultural traditions and environmental considerations. The design is intended to cater to a family-oriented lifestyle, with particular emphasis on fostering close family relationships and supporting both intimate and larger social gatherings. This thoughtful integration of functionality, spatial organization, and sustainability underscores the villa’s role as a central hub for familial and community life.

### Spatial Strategy
The villa features a deliberate massing strategy that facilitates both horizontal and vertical expansion, accommodating diverse activities. Addressing local climatic conditions, the design optimizes orientation for natural light and airflow, enhancing energy efficiency and overall comfort. The zoning of the interior thoughtfully delineates spaces for private family activities, communal interactions, and service functions. The design includes designated private quarters, a communal family area, and outdoor spaces for relaxation, all while ensuring smooth circulation throughout the various zones. Outdoor areas are harmoniously incorporated with indoor spaces, reflecting the traditional Emirati lifestyle that often blurs these boundaries.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Selected materials contribute to the villa's character while respecting its cultural context. Key architectural elements include masonry for structural integrity, natural stone for durability, and wooden finishes that evoke a sense of warmth and tradition. Expanses of glass facilitate transparency and draw in views of the surrounding landscape, while neutral paint tones and accented colors capture local motifs. To promote sustainability, various shading techniques, such as balconies and vertical screens, have been integrated. These features enhance natural cooling, thus reducing reliance on mechanical climate control. Rainwater collection and recycling systems further demonstrate the commitment to environmental performance, making the villa not only a home but also a model for responsible resource use.

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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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