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Charred Wooden Shingles and Aerated Concrete Define a Contemporary Family Residence in Dubai

Authors:
Orçun çelik, Yusuf Özdemir, Michelle Valerie Schreuder
Charred Wooden Shingles and Aerated Concrete Define a Contemporary Family Residence in Dubai

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and aerated concrete, this residence integrates a central courtyard for enhanced ventilation and natural light, serving as a functional family home in Dubai's urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the exterior provides a weather-resistant surface that enhances durability.
02
The use of aerated concrete optimizes thermal performance and reduces overall weight.
03
A central courtyard promotes natural ventilation, improving indoor air quality throughout the residence.
04
Flexible design allows for easy expansion or modification to suit changing family needs.
05
Large glass openings create seamless indoor-outdoor connections, enhancing the living experience.

## Overview

Located in Dubai, the "House of the Future" exemplifies a harmonious blend of contemporary design and practicality. The proposal aims to create a functional living environment that responds to both cultural traditions and modern technological advancements. Key features include a central courtyard and a swimming pool, which facilitate social interaction and provide comfort against the region's challenging climatic conditions.

### Spatial Strategy

The design prioritizes flexibility and adaptability to accommodate the changing needs of families. The layout promotes an easy transition between communal and private spaces, organized around the central courtyard. This courtyard not only serves as a focal point for the home but also enhances natural ventilation and lighting, contributing to a sense of openness and connectedness. The arrangement allows for future modifications, ensuring that the residence can evolve alongside its occupants.

### Sustainable Practices

A variety of sustainable design strategies are integrated into the project. A double skin facade reduces solar heat gain, improving indoor thermal comfort throughout the year. The use of materials with high thermal mass further stabilizes temperatures within the home. Additionally, smart home technology enhances energy efficiency by automating systems for temperature control, lighting, and security. The selection of materials, including aerated concrete, wooden panels for shading, and corrugated metal for durability, aligns with both sustainability goals and aesthetic considerations. Large windows maximize natural light, promoting a seamless connection with the outdoor 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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