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Charred Wood Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Harmonizing Contemporary Living in the Desert

Author:
Gergely Csikvari
Charred Wood Shingles and Reinforced Concrete Harmonizing Contemporary Living in the Desert

Project in-detail

With charred wood shingles and reinforced concrete seamlessly integrated, the design promotes sustainability while enhancing the living experience in a desert context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels allow for efficient construction and improved thermal insulation.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability and integrates with the desert landscape.
04
Modular interior walls enable flexible space reconfiguration according to user needs.
05
Extensive use of glass facilitates abundant natural light and visual connection to outdoor spaces.

## Overview

The project, located in the arid climate of the United Arab Emirates, features a contemporary residential structure designed to harmonize modern aesthetics with functional living while responding to its environmental context. The architectural approach incorporates traditional elements of local design, fostering sustainability and a connection to the region's cultural heritage.

## Spatial Strategy and Planning

The design employs a dual narrative of "Massive" and "Fibrous" architectural elements, reflecting a balance between solid structures and lighter components. This framework not only emulates traditional Emirati homes but also facilitates adaptability for modern lifestyles. The project optimizes the narrow plot's layout to enhance both interior and exterior usability, ensuring ample outdoor spaces and sufficient interior volume. Living areas are strategically distributed across two levels, maintaining a clear distinction between living and service zones to enhance accessibility and efficient circulation.

Key planning responses include the placement of service blocks adjacent to living spaces to minimize movement distances, and elevating main living areas to maximize natural light exposure while creating an expansive outdoor experience.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The structural design features a grid layout, promoting both functionality and aesthetic coherence. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary material for structural components, while prefabricated steel is utilized for beams and columns to facilitate large spans without obstructing views. Insulated panels are employed to enhance energy efficiency and provide both thermal and acoustic comfort.

Interior spaces prioritize a light and airy atmosphere, characterized by extensive use of glass and neutral color palettes. Natural stone and textured glass finishes contribute to a sophisticated interior that fosters a healthy living environment. Expansive windows and open layouts ensure abundant natural light and ventilation, while the integration of sliding glass doors facilitates a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall spatial 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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