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Charred Wood Elements and Natural Stone Define A Sustainable Emirati Family Residence

Authors:
Manel Garrigo Esquerda, Martin Luengo arias, Antonio Jimenez Galvez
Charred Wood Elements and Natural Stone Define A Sustainable Emirati Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood surfaces and natural stone, the residence emphasizes sustainable materials and open living spaces designed to accommodate the evolving needs of Emirati families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a solar chimney for enhanced natural ventilation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic sustainability.
03
Features an open floor plan adaptable for varying family sizes.
04
Integrates indigenous plants in landscaping to promote local biodiversity.
05
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental impact.

### Project Overview

The "House of the Future" is situated in the United Arab Emirates, designed to meet the contemporary needs of Emirati citizens while honoring traditional architectural concepts. The project aims to create a residential environment that reflects cultural heritage and incorporates modern sustainability practices. It emphasizes the integration of domestic spaces within urban contexts, balancing the need for privacy with social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Adaptability

The spatial layout employs an open floor plan that promotes fluid movement among living, dining, and functional spaces, including a kitchen and majlis, a traditional gathering area. This configuration facilitates social interaction while ensuring privacy in sleeping quarters. The design incorporates flexible options to accommodate families of various sizes, supporting configurations of up to six bedrooms to cater to evolving domestic requirements.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choices reflect a synthesis of contemporary and traditional aesthetics. Textured concrete provides structural integrity, while large glass windows enhance transparency and natural light penetration. The use of natural stones connects the structure with the local landscape, aligning with regional aesthetics. Furthermore, features such as solar chimneys improve natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and reinforcing the project’s commitment to energy efficiency. Surrounding landscaping utilizes indigenous plants, contributing to ecological diversity and promoting habitat restoration.

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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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