Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

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.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Baytul-Hara draws from traditional Emirati architecture, integrating contemporary design elements to address modern urban living challenges. The project is focused on fostering community interaction, enhancing energy efficiency, and maintaining privacy within a residential context. Key to the design is the incorporation of local cultural nuances that reflect the evolving identity of urban spaces in the UAE.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The concept of "hybrid dwellings" serves as the foundation for Baytul-Hara, merging traditional and modern architectural elements. The layout employs varied volumes and massing strategies to create a dynamic facade while facilitating functional interaction within the spaces. Distinct areas allow for family engagement and private retreats, providing a harmonious balance between communal living and individual privacy. Integrating courtyards and green spaces promotes natural ventilation and enhances the connection between interior and exterior environments.

### Sustainable Material Selection and Performance

Material choice in Baytul-Hara is central to both aesthetic and environmental objectives. Notable materials include Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, selected for their excellent thermal insulation properties, and high-quality, weather-resistant exterior paint designed for durability in the Dubai climate. The design incorporates woven wooden cladding, contributing to privacy and shading while reflecting the architectural heritage of the region. Additionally, double-glazed windows enhance thermal performance and natural lighting, supporting the overall sustainability goals of the project.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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