Get inspired!

17,513 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.
The House of the Future is a residential architectural project located in the United Arab Emirates, designed to integrate modern living with traditional cultural values. This project embodies a coherent blend of privacy, sustainability, and technological innovation, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants. The architecture prioritizes functionality, incorporating spaces for leisure, family interaction, and solitude, all while being sensitive to the climatic and social context of the region.

Spatially, the project is organized into two main levels, providing a comprehensive living experience. The ground floor includes essential communal areas such as a reception area, dining room, and kitchen, along with a designated men's majlis, reflecting local customs of hospitality. This arrangement facilitates social gatherings while maintaining privacy for family members. An outdoor garden area complements the design, promoting an internal connection to nature.

The first floor accommodates private living spaces, including a master suite and several additional bedrooms, each featuring ensuite bathrooms. Terraces are incorporated to allow for outdoor enjoyment, further bridging the indoor-outdoor divide. This well-considered spatial layout supports both shared family activities and individual preferences.

The House of the Future distinguishes itself through its unique approach to cultural integration and sustainability. The architectural design embraces traditional Islamic themes while applying contemporary elements such as extensive glass facades that maximize natural light. This commitment to natural light is further enhanced by smart home integration, which allows for the automatic adjustment of lighting and climate based on occupancy and time of day. The use of local materials, including concrete, aluminum, and wood, ensures that the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. This combination results in a structure that is both inviting and energy-efficient, a crucial consideration in arid climates.

Additionally, the project employs a range of sustainable technologies, including a rainwater harvesting system and solar panels, significantly reducing its environmental impact. These systems exemplify a forward-thinking architectural design that embraces ecological responsibilities alongside functional living.

For a more in-depth examination of the House of the Future, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. By reviewing these elements, one can gain a clearer understanding of how this project successfully merges traditional influences with modern architectural practices.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,513 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy