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Charred Wooden Screens and Insulated Panels Defining Modern Emirati Living

Authors:
Shamna Stranc Kizhakkum Parambil Mohammed Abdul, Pranav Vivek Newaskar, Heenal Vijay Shah, Wojciech Maciej Stranc
Charred Wooden Screens and Insulated Panels Defining Modern Emirati Living

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden screens with insulated steel panels, the design integrates sustainable construction methods and cultural elements to create a multifunctional family residence in the UAE.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles create a distinctive façade while improving weather resistance.
02
Insulated steel panels enhance energy efficiency and thermal performance.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the home.
04
Landscaped courtyards incorporate spaces for vegetable gardening, promoting sustainability.
05
Flexible interior layouts allow for easy adaptation to changing family needs.

### Project Overview

"Elevating the Emirati Experience" is a residential design situated on a linear site measuring 30m x 15m, intended to harmonize contemporary living with traditional Emirati values. The design aims to accommodate the multifaceted needs of Emirati families by establishing spaces for gathering, culinary activities, prayer, and social interaction. The concept draws inspiration from the rhythms of daily life, suggesting that the home functions not merely as shelter, but as a vibrant context for daily interaction and engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Allocation

The layout features a vertical split in massing, creating a dynamic interplay between communal and private areas across multiple levels. The organization of spaces includes:

- **Level 0 & -1**: Dedicated to car parking and an entrance foyer, along with a Majlis, kitchen, and service areas, it emphasizes functional accessibility. Private outdoor spaces, including a vegetable garden, enhance both utility and leisure.

- **Level 1**: Comprising living rooms, reading nooks, and terraces, this level facilitates relaxation and interaction, with design elements that promote connectivity to the outdoors through landscaped courtyards.

- **Level 2**: Focused on family privacy, this level features bedrooms with ancillary spaces designed for guest accommodation or study, reflecting adaptability to varying family needs.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The architectural intent incorporates sustainable practices through careful material selection and environmental design strategies. Key materials include:

- **Steel Insulated Panels**: Promote recyclability and thermal performance while minimizing construction waste.
- **Textile Partitions**: Made from durable, UV-stabilized polyethylene, these elements allow for flexible spatial arrangements, enhancing natural light and sound absorption.
- **Screens**: Metal screens serve to reduce solar heat gain and manage privacy in semi-open areas.
- **Concrete and Natural Stone**: Used as external facades, these materials connect the structure with the rich heritage of Emirati architecture.
- **Natural Wood Elements**: Introduce warmth and a connection to nature, enhancing the overall aesthetic quality.

Complementing the material choices, the design features green pockets that promote biodiversity and cultivate vegetation while employing passive cooling strategies. Shaded courtyards and the building's orientation optimize energy efficiency, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility.

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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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