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Charred Wood Shingles and Textured Concrete in a Biophilic Residential Design

Author:
Hai Png Teow
Charred Wood Shingles and Textured Concrete in a Biophilic Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and textured concrete, the residence creates a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a biophilic environment that enhances both privacy and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and reduce construction waste.
03
Incorporates expansive glass walls that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
04
Design includes a central courtyard for natural light and ventilation.
05
Adapts a bent A-frame structure to improve spatial efficiency and enhance structural integrity.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the Antithesis House exemplifies contemporary architectural design that seeks to innovate traditional living spaces through thoughtful engagement with its cultural and urban context. The project addresses the challenges of urban living by integrating aesthetic considerations with functionality and sustainability, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

## Spatial Strategy

The design of the Antithesis House is guided by the concept of the "House as the Reverse of City," which critiques the uniformity of urban environments. It emphasizes privacy and intimacy by creating distinct zones that accommodate both individual and communal experiences. A central courtyard serves as the focal point, promoting natural ventilation and light while providing a lush setting for relaxation and social gatherings. Living quarters are complemented by private gardens and terraces, establishing a connection to nature while ensuring personal privacy. Common areas are designed to be open and inviting, thereby encouraging interaction among residents.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The use of materials reflects both function and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, enhanced for warmth and texture, while expansive glass windows facilitate natural light and connect indoor spaces to the outdoors. Wood is incorporated into decorative and structural elements, introducing warmth, and subtle metal accents provide contemporary detailing. The landscaping features natural stone, harmonizing the built environment with the surrounding landscape.

Sustainable practices are integral to the design, which includes solar panels and eco-friendly landscaping to reduce ecological impact. The color palette combines neutral tones with deep blues and earthy greens, echoing the natural environment and promoting a calm ambiance. Additionally, the incorporation of biophilic design principles seeks to enhance residents' well-being by connecting them with nature, making the Antithesis House a model for sustainable and responsive living.

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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

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
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