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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biocomposite Materials Define a Modern Emirati Family Home

Authors:
Hassene Jeljeli, Yasmine Sakka
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biocomposite Materials Define a Modern Emirati Family Home

Project in-detail

Emphasizing the use of charred wooden shingles and biocomposite materials, this modern Emirati home integrates traditional design with sustainable construction methods to create a flexible living space for contemporary families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a double-roofing system for enhanced thermal insulation and natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates biocomposite materials to minimize environmental impact in construction.
03
Features an internal courtyard that promotes natural light and airflow throughout the home.
04
Modular design allows flexible space reconfiguration for evolving family needs.
05
Employs locally sourced materials, fostering regional sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.

**Overview**

Located in the coastal regions of the Emirates, the Arish 2.0 project reflects a contemporary interpretation of traditional Emirati housing. Building upon the ancestral "Arish" structure, the design addresses modern family needs while maintaining a connection to cultural heritage. The intent is to create a flexible living environment that promotes both social interaction and individual privacy, allowing for diverse familial dynamics.

**Spatial Strategy**

The layout consists of two floors centered around an internal courtyard, facilitating communal engagement. Modular spaces are incorporated into the design, which enables the reconfiguration of interiors to adapt to changing family requirements. The use of a double-roofing system enhances thermal insulation and utilizes natural mechanisms for climate control, thereby reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The construction integrates a range of materials selected for their durability and environmental impact. Concrete serves as the structural backbone, while locally sourced wood provides aesthetic and functional elements. Large glass openings maximize natural light and external views. Additionally, recycled biocomposite materials are used throughout, and prefabrication techniques are employed to increase efficiency and minimize waste. This combination of material choices and construction methods underscores the project's commitment to sustainability.

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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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