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Charred Wood Shingles and Precast Concrete Create a Flexible Living Environment in a Modern Emirati Residence

Authors:
Amirhossein Nikdel, Amir Hossein Rezaei, Maryam Habibi, Saba Mahdiyar, Reyhaneh Fouladi, Shokooh Lotfi
Charred Wood Shingles and Precast Concrete Create a Flexible Living Environment in a Modern Emirati Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and precast concrete, the design offers a modular living environment that adapts to the evolving needs of Emirati families while maintaining cultural integrity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainable building practices.
03
Features a flexible modular layout that adapts to changing family needs.
04
Integrates a central courtyard for natural light and social interaction.
05
Utilizes precast concrete elements for efficient construction and structural integrity.

### Project Overview

Located in Al Fourjan, the FutureShift House is an architectural design aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of Emirati citizens. It enhances flexibility and personalization in residential spaces through modular configurations that cater to diverse family structures and living arrangements. The design is deeply rooted in the cultural and social context of the United Arab Emirates, promoting sustainability across social, environmental, and economic dimensions.

### Modularity and User Adaptability

Central to the design is the concept of modularity, which allows for the reconfiguration of space in response to the evolving needs of families. This adaptability ensures that the residence can accommodate various family types, from single-parent households to extended families. The structure features dedicated spaces for both communal interaction and privacy, facilitating a balanced living environment. The inclusion of intelligent design elements enables future homeowners to customize layouts via a digital interface, tailoring dimensions and configurations to suit their requirements.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project employs a carefully considered selection of materials that align with its sustainability goals. Precast concrete is utilized for structural elements, providing durability and efficient construction. Large glass panels in the central courtyard facilitate natural light while connecting the interior with the external environment. Additionally, the incorporation of wood in the roof structure adds warmth and cultural resonance to the design. These material choices reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility while enhancing user experience through aesthetic and functional benefits.

### Structural Organization and Spatial Dynamics

The layout is deliberately organized around a central courtyard, serving as a climatic and social focal point for the residence. The ground floor features essential communal spaces—living room, dining area, and kitchen—interconnected with shaded areas to promote accessibility and interaction. Private quarters, located on the first floor, are designed for minimal disruption, ensuring optimal comfort for residents. Furthermore, functional zones, such as maid's quarters and storage, are integrated thoughtfully into the spatial arrangement to enhance overall efficiency without detracting from the living experience.

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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

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