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Charred Wooden Shingles and Aerated Concrete Create a Contemporary Family Home Focused on Cultural Integration

Author:
Mohammed O. S. Kraim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Aerated Concrete Create a Contemporary Family Home Focused on Cultural Integration

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and aerated concrete, the design achieves a harmonious blend of cultural integration and sustainable practices, culminating in a modern family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
The use of aerated concrete blocks offers superior energy efficiency.
03
Adaptable design allows for future expansions and modifications.
04
Open spaces emphasize natural light and social interaction.
05
Dedicated Majlis reflects cultural significance for family gatherings.

### Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the "House of the Future" project presents an innovative residential design that addresses both cultural and climatic considerations inherent to Emirati society. The design intent focuses on a harmonious integration of contemporary architectural elements with functionalities that prioritize comfort and sustainability, enhancing the living experience for its inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The design establishes a clear spatial hierarchy that optimizes both form and usability. An efficient layout minimizes structural elements, thus reducing construction complexity and associated costs. Essential spaces—living, dining, and kitchen areas—are interconnected to foster social interaction among residents. The inclusion of culturally significant outdoor areas, such as Majlis spaces and gardens, is strategically integrated into the overall layout to facilitate communal engagement, which is vital to the local lifestyle.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a careful selection of materials to enhance both performance and environmental compatibility. Aerated concrete blocks (ACC) are utilized for their lightweight and energy-efficient characteristics, while strategically placed concrete supports structural integrity. The implementation of a composite insulation system for the roof effectively improves thermal management. Additionally, locally sourced finishing materials adhere to sustainable building practices, ensuring a reduced environmental impact and alignment with regional building traditions.

These design elements come together to create a residential environment that is adaptable, ensuring that future changes in user needs can be accommodated seamlessly, while also promoting energy efficiency and interaction with the natural surroundings.

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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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