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Charred Wood Shingles and Thermal Insulation in a Family-Focused Residence

Author:
Evan A Williams
Charred Wood Shingles and Thermal Insulation in a Family-Focused Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and advanced thermal insulation, this residence offers a culturally attuned solution for family living in Dubai's challenging climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to address local water scarcity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with operable facades to maximize natural ventilation and minimize cooling costs.
05
Includes a traditional maḥjil to foster community and family interactions.

**Overview**
Bayt Al-Zephyr, located in Dubai, exemplifies an architectural approach that integrates sustainability with the region's cultural and historical contexts. The design focuses on addressing the challenges posed by the arid climate of the Emirates, while simultaneously respecting traditional Emirati values. This project aims to create an environment that balances modern living with eco-friendly practices, reflecting the community's heritage and aspirations.

**Spatial and Community Integration**
The layout of Bayt Al-Zephyr is characterized by a courtyard-style arrangement that fosters social interaction while ensuring privacy, a key aspect of Emirati life. The inclusion of a maḥjil, a traditional reception area, emphasizes the importance of community gatherings and cultural traditions. The design prioritizes multi-generational living, featuring private suites alongside communal spaces, which align with familial structures prevalent in local culture.

**Material Selection and Climate Responsiveness**
The materiality of Bayt Al-Zephyr has been carefully curated to serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Reinforced concrete provides stability, while thermal insulation panels enhance energy efficiency. Glass facades are designed to maximize natural light and manage heat influx, complemented by wooden accents that connect with traditional craftsmanship. Climate-adaptive features, such as operable facades and sun-controlling louvers, facilitate natural ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system underscores the project's commitment to sustainability in a water-scarce environment.

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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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