Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wood Shingles and Solar Chimneys Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Modern Residential Space

Authors:
Alfonso Lopez, Khaled El almi
Charred Wood Shingles and Solar Chimneys Enhancing Sustainable Living in a Modern Residential Space

Project in-detail

Combining charred wood shingles and a solar chimney, the design enhances energy efficiency and natural ventilation in a modern residential space that fosters family interaction and cultural connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and provide fire resistance.
03
Features a solar chimney that facilitates passive cooling and natural ventilation.
04
Exhibits a unique bent A-frame design that promotes open, airy living spaces.
05
Integrates courtyards for connecting indoor and outdoor environments.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, House2Love is an architectural project that integrates contemporary design with strong cultural motifs. Inspired by the local landscape and the symbolism of the three-finger salute, the design reflects themes of unity and community. It addresses modern living needs while emphasizing sustainability, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the urban context.

## Material Selection

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials to enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

- **Concrete** is utilized for structural elements, providing durability and flexibility in shaping.
- **Wood** is featured prominently in the façade to offer shading and create a tactile connection with the environment.
- **Glass** is incorporated extensively, facilitating natural light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- **Aluminum** frames are used for windows and ventilation systems, combining modern functionality with a lightweight structure.
- **Insulation materials** improve energy efficiency and mitigate heat gain, crucial for the region's climate.
- **Solar panels** are integrated into the design, reinforcing a commitment to energy sustainability.

## Spatial Organization

The layout of House2Love is strategically designed to promote both functionality and community engagement.

- **Three Levels**: Organized based on distinct functions, the central core serves as a conduit between service and living areas, ensuring fluid movement throughout the space.
- **Natural Ventilation**: Features such as a lobby and a solar chimney facilitate airflow, enhancing indoor comfort while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling.
- **Green Spaces**: Courtyards and private terraces are incorporated for recreational purposes, fostering connections with nature and promoting social interaction among residents.

Notably, the building's innovative solar chimney design not only enhances passive cooling but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, reinforcing a sustainable architectural narrative that reflects cultural significance and contemporary living.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy