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Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Biophilic Residential Design

Author:
Mohammed Alwahoush
Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glazing in a Biophilic Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and expansive glazing, the design integrates biophilic elements to create a sustainable residential space that fosters a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural integrity with reduced environmental impact.
03
Incorporates an innovative bent A-frame design to maximize spatial efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates extensive glazing to facilitate natural light and outdoor connectivity throughout the space.
05
Emphasizes biophilic elements by blending indoor living areas with surrounding natural landscapes.

### Overview
The "House of the Future" is situated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and draws inspiration from the structural and ecological principles of tree houses. The design aims to redefine urban housing by fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing the connection between residents and their natural surroundings. Overall, the project integrates sustainable practices and thoughtful design to create functional living spaces that promote communal and private interactions.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural design features modular, cubic forms that establish a modern aesthetic while promoting visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor environments through expansive windows. The ground floor centers around a main lobby that serves as the focal point, linking various living areas and allowing for fluid transitions. Each space is linked to carefully landscaped areas that incorporate plant life, thereby encouraging biophilic interactions. The basement is crafted as a multifunctional area, benefiting from ample natural light and direct connections to outdoor spaces, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience. The first floor contains four primary bedrooms, each equipped with balconies and access to shared courtyards, ensuring a balance between privacy and social engagement.

### Material Selection
The project employs a range of materials chosen for their structural integrity and visual appeal. Concrete serves as the primary material for its robustness and contemporary aesthetic, while glass is utilized to maximize natural light and maintain visual continuity with the exterior. Durable tiles are used in flooring to ensure long-lasting quality and coherence with the overall minimalist design. Additionally, natural stones may be incorporated in landscaping and interior finishes, while metal accents could be integrated into railings or decorative elements to reinforce the modern character of the residence.

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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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