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Charred Wood Shingles and Concrete Forms in Desert-Integrated Residence

Author:
Gautam Bhatia
Charred Wood Shingles and Concrete Forms in Desert-Integrated Residence

Project in-detail

Using charred wood shingles and expansive concrete forms, the residence is designed to withstand desert conditions while promoting energy efficiency and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance in arid climates.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard to maximize natural light and ventilation.
04
Employs large glass openings to blur indoor and outdoor boundaries.
05
Design includes multifunctional spaces to accommodate varying resident needs.

### Overview

"House of the Future" is situated in an arid landscape, designed to respond effectively to the environmental conditions characteristic of desert regions. The project integrates functionality and sustainability, addressing the essential needs of modern living while fostering a relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings. The design aims to create distinct spatial experiences that enrich daily life.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout is organized into four quadrants, each designated for specific functions: the **Service Quadrant** includes practical spaces such as the entry and parking, prioritizing privacy for service access; the **Public Quadrant** accommodates communal areas like the living room and open dining space, designed to encourage social interaction; the **Family Quadrant** offers recreation and leisure with amenities such as a pool and jacuzzi; and the **Private Quadrant** provides rooms for rest and solitude.

Central to this organization is the courtyard, which not only facilitates natural ventilation and daylight but also enhances the spatial flow between different sections of the house. This arrangement reflects contemporary residential needs while promoting community engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The design employs a diverse array of materials chosen for their functional benefits and aesthetic qualities. **Concrete** is utilized throughout the structure for its durability and thermal efficiency, essential in managing the extreme temperatures of the desert ecosystem. **Extensive glazing** through windows and sliding doors invites ample natural light and fosters connections to the exterior environment. **Wood elements** offer shading from the sun while adding warmth, and **natural stone** connects the interiors to the landscape, enhancing the overall coherence of the design. **Metal components** contribute to structural integrity and decorative elements, providing a modern aesthetic.

Sustainability is a key focus, with features such as solar panels and integrated water management systems evidencing a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. This design approach not only maximizes resale value but also adapts to the specific challenges posed by the desert, ensuring long-term viability and reduced environmental impact.

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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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