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Charred Wooden Facade Enhancing Airflow in A Desert-Inspired Residential Design

Authors:
Nuno Miguel AraÚjo Campos De Castro, Ana PatrÍcia Sobral Santos
Charred Wooden Facade Enhancing Airflow in A Desert-Inspired Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing a charred wooden facade to enhance natural airflow, the design cultivates a microclimate within its central courtyard, providing a sustainable and comfortable residential environment in Dubai's harsh landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a central courtyard to create a self-regulating microclimate.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Designed with large glass openings for optimized natural light and ventilation.
05
Includes perforated screens on the facade to facilitate airflow while maintaining privacy.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the residence is designed to reflect Emirati culture while accommodating the arid climate of Dubai. It draws inspiration from traditional Emirati homes, creating a modern interpretation that emphasizes a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The design intention is to enhance natural light and ventilation, allowing for a comfortable living experience aligned with the contemporary lifestyle.

### Spatial Configuration

The spatial arrangement consists of well-defined zones that balance functionality and privacy. The ground floor features communal areas and service spaces, facilitating social interaction, while the upper floor is dedicated to private quarters. Organized around a central courtyard, the layout promotes cross-ventilation through strategically placed openings. Key features include an atrium that connects living areas with adjacent gardens, fostering a sense of continuity with the external environment. Bedrooms are designed with personal patios, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor relationship.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Construction employs prefabricated insulated concrete modules that incorporate local materials, enhancing thermal performance and acoustic insulation. The use of glass for expansive openings allows for ample natural light, maintaining transparency between spaces. Natural stone finishes are included to create tactile surfaces reminiscent of traditional architecture, while integrated vegetation in courtyards contributes to biodiversity and visual appeal. Sustainable energy solutions, such as photovoltaic panels and a hydraulic radiant system, are incorporated to minimize reliance on mechanical systems, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to energy efficiency.

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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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