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Charred Wood Cladding and Sustainable Design in a Private Courtyard Residence

Authors:
Sameh Ali, Ali Shaheen, Nourhan Reda, Mohamed Abdo, Mayar Hossam, Habiba Mohammad, Rawan Mahmoud, Sara Kamal
Charred Wood Cladding and Sustainable Design in a Private Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Employing charred wood cladding and extensive glass facades, the design creates a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces, emphasizing sustainability and privacy in a contemporary family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood cladding for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates a semi-courtyard layout to maximize privacy and natural ventilation.
03
Features extensive glass facades that facilitate abundant natural light.
04
Includes a smart home system for automated climate and lighting control.
05
Employs local materials to minimize environmental impact and support regional craftsmanship.

## Overview

The House of the Future is a residential design project situated in the United Arab Emirates, covering a land area of 450 m². It is intended to offer an innovative approach to living spaces, focusing on sustainability, integration of smart technology, and cultural sensitivity. The design harmonizes modern architectural principles with the unique environmental and social context of the region.

### Spatial Organization and Cultural Integration

The layout prioritizes both privacy and openness, employing an inward orientation that shields residents from external views while fostering a sense of community within. Central to this configuration is a semi-courtyard, designed as a livable outdoor space that enhances the residents’ connection to their environment. Key features such as a men's majlis are strategically positioned to uphold the significance of privacy in Middle Eastern culture.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Construction materials are carefully chosen to enhance both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the home. Concrete is utilized for exterior walls due to its durability and thermal mass properties, while expansive glass elements are incorporated to maximize natural light and minimize reliance on artificial illumination. Aluminum is selected for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant characteristics, and wood is featured in flooring and ceiling applications to provide warmth. Moreover, thermal insulation materials are employed to improve energy efficiency. The project also implements eco-friendly systems, including rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and a smart home automation system, to minimize resource consumption and promote sustainable living practices.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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