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Charred Wood Exterior and Expansive Glass Facades in Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Mazen Kwaia
Charred Wood Exterior and Expansive Glass Facades in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood cladding and expansive glass elements, the design achieves a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, serving as a sustainable residential solution in a contemporary context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood cladding for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes a dedicated outdoor swimming area seamlessly connected to living spaces.
05
Utilizes native landscaping to minimize irrigation and support local biodiversity.

## Project Overview

Located within a culturally rich context, the villa integrates traditional Emirati aesthetics with contemporary design principles to establish a sustainable and luxurious living environment. The intent is to create a residence that emphasizes comfort and innovation while ensuring careful consideration of environmental impact. Architectural plans, elevations, sections, and 3D perspectives illustrate the commitment to sustainability and elegant design throughout the project.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The villa is designed with an open and interconnected layout that facilitates natural light flow and ventilation. Strategic placement of large glass panels fosters a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall living experience. The multi-level configuration includes a basement, ground floor, first floor, and a penthouse, each designated for specific functions yet unified in design. Landscaped gardens and relaxation zones are incorporated to promote tranquility and encourage outdoor engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices reflect an emphasis on durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Concrete is employed for structural integrity, while stone provides not only visual appeal but also insulation. Warmth is introduced through wooden finishes, complemented by transparent glass that connects the interior with the environment. Aluminum is utilized in framing and decorative elements, ensuring a balance of modernity and longevity. The design incorporates solar panels and other renewable energy technologies to minimize the carbon footprint and reduce electricity consumption, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainable living.

Unique features include flexible living spaces adaptable to various functions, enhanced by the integration of smart home technologies for resource management. Artistic elements, such as ornately designed ceilings and thoughtfully chosen fixtures, enrich the aesthetic quality of the residence, merging luxury with practical living.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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