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Charred Wood Shingles and Metal Panels Define A Sustainable Residential Structure in a Desert Climate

Authors:
Takbir Fatima , Abeer Fatima
Charred Wood Shingles and Metal Panels Define A Sustainable Residential Structure in a Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and perforated metal panels, the design offers innovative thermal strategies and customizable living spaces, tailored for modern Emirati family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wood shingles provide passive cooling and moisture resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
The modular layout allows for future reconfiguration based on family needs.
04
Integrated windcatchers optimize natural ventilation throughout the home.
05
A central courtyard fosters a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

## Overview
The House of the Future is located in an arid region of the Emirati landscape, with a design that thoughtfully considers local environmental conditions and cultural customs alongside contemporary architectural practices. Its modular construction strategy caters to the personalization and sustainability requirements of modern Emirati families, aiming to create flexible living spaces that adapt to varying family sizes and future needs.

## Modularity and User-Centric Design
The dwelling is conceptualized as a kit-of-parts, allowing families to customize their residences based on individual preferences. The layout employs a modular, interlocking approach that facilitates the rearrangement of spatial configurations, promoting dynamic living environments. The integration of smart technology enhances user experience; an AI-driven application enables customization and configuration selection, fostering interactive and user-engaged housing solutions.

## Sustainable Practices and Materiality
Sustainability is a central theme, with design techniques that leverage passive cooling methods adapted to local climatic conditions. Features such as windcatchers facilitate natural ventilation, while the incorporation of solar energy underscores a commitment to energy self-sufficiency. The material selection further enhances the project’s environmental considerations: perforated metal panels are utilized for shading and privacy while allowing natural light penetration; concrete provides structural integrity and thermal massing; extensive glass use maximizes daylight and connects interior spaces to the exterior landscape. In addition, the design includes landscaping elements that promote biodiversity and outdoor socialization, strengthening the relationship between built and natural environments.

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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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