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Charred Wood Facade Integrated With Natural Ventilation in A Community-Focused Residential Design

Author:
Mustafa Tawfik
Charred Wood Facade Integrated With Natural Ventilation in A Community-Focused Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing a charred wood facade and strategically placed courtyards for natural ventilation, the residential design fosters community interaction while ensuring personal privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental performance.
03
Features strategically positioned courtyards that facilitate natural ventilation and light.
04
Includes a bent A-frame design to optimize spatial dynamics and aesthetic appeal.
05
Employs a night flush system for passive cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical air conditioning.
Baytul-Hara is an architectural project situated in the United Arab Emirates, embodying a significant blend of traditional Emirati architecture and contemporary design principles. The project serves as a residential space designed to promote both community engagement and individual privacy, reflecting the cultural values and urban behavior within a modern context. Its thoughtful layout and material selection cater to the needs of urban dwellers while acknowledging the historical and geographical nuances of the region.

Community-Centric Design Approach

One of the primary unique aspects of Baytul-Hara is its emphasis on hybrid dwellings, where communal and private living spaces are intricately connected. The project features a series of interconnected volumes that create visually engaging spaces while enabling residents to navigate between communal areas and personal retreats. This spatial organization not only supports community interaction but also provides adjustment flexibility for various family dynamics.

The incorporation of courtyards serves as a crucial element in the design, providing outdoor areas that enhance natural ventilation and light while ensuring privacy from neighboring units. The inclusion of shaded outdoor spaces allows for comfortable interaction during the hot months, accommodating ritual gatherings and family interactions which are essential to the Emirati lifestyle.

Innovative Sustainability Features

Baytul-Hara incorporates advanced sustainable practices that address the challenges of an arid climate. The implementation of natural cooling systems through strategically designed layouts effectively reduces the reliance on mechanical air conditioning. Notably, a night flush system allows for passive cooling by facilitating airflow during cooler nighttime temperatures.

Materials used in the construction emphasize environmental consciousness, with options like Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks due to their thermal insulation properties, as well as wooden cladding that reflects traditional aesthetic preferences while promoting energy efficiency. The double-glazed windows are purposefully positioned to optimize natural light access while maintaining privacy, thereby enhancing the overall energy performance of the project.

Spatial Adaptability and Functionality

The architectural design of Baytul-Hara emphasizes functional adaptability throughout its floors. The ground floor hosts a blend of communal and private spaces, such as living areas and kitchens, designed for family gatherings yet allowing for seamless guest accessibility. On the first floor, personal quarters leverage flexible layouts that can be adjusted as family needs evolve.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project. Unique architectural elements, such as visual barriers, ensure personal space while maintaining a sense of openness in communal areas. The balance achieved between privacy and community fosters an environment conducive to both social interaction and personal retreat, effectively addressing the duality of modern urban living.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that define Baytul-Hara, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation.
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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
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