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Charred Wood Shingles and Clay Walls Forming a Sustainable Oasis in the Emirates

Authors:
Nastaran Eidani Asl, Alireza Eshtehardiha, Afshin Afshar, Masoud Amir Kashani
Charred Wood Shingles and Clay Walls Forming a Sustainable Oasis in the Emirates

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wood shingles and thermal clay walls, this residential design delivers a sustainable oasis tailored to the climatic challenges of the Emirates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and reduce fire risk.
02
Features thermal clay walls for efficient temperature regulation in a desert climate.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for improved structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes a roof garden to support biodiversity and outdoor living.
05
Integrates solar panel systems for energy sustainability and reduced reliance on grid electricity.

## Overview

Located in the Emirates, this family house reflects a synthesis of Persian, Arabic, and European design elements, addressing both environmental and cultural contexts. The design aims to establish a residential “oasis” that not only accommodates its inhabitants but also integrates with the surrounding landscape. Emphasizing the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, the project acknowledges the region's harsh climate while fostering ecological and cultural connectivity.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The layout is thoughtfully structured to facilitate both communal and private interactions within the household. The ground floor features essential zones—including a Majlis (gathering space), kitchen, dining room, and utility area—designed to support family life. The first floor comprises seven private bedrooms and a roof garden, thereby balancing social and personal spaces. This arrangement allows for flexible use, encouraging family communication while adapting to varying lifestyle demands.

### Sustainable Material Selection

Material choices play a critical role in achieving sustainability and cultural resonance. The design incorporates locally sourced materials such as clay and wood, which offer thermal efficiency and cultural significance. Large glass panels are employed to maximize natural light and ventilation, while concrete provides structural integrity. The integration of solar panels underscores a commitment to energy self-sufficiency and minimizes the ecological footprint, aligning with the overall sustainable philosophy of the project.

This design harmoniously blends functional efficiency with aesthetic considerations, positioning the residence as a model of modern residential architecture that responds thoughtfully to its environment and cultural heritage.

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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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