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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Spaces in A Modern Multigenerational Residence

Author:
Mohamed El-agizy
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Spaces in A Modern Multigenerational Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive cantilevered sections, the residence elevates multigenerational living while prioritizing privacy and communal integration through thoughtful spatial design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
02
Features cantilevered upper levels that optimize space and provide unique outdoor views.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with privacy-focused layouts that accommodate multigenerational living dynamics.
05
Integrates extensive glass elements to create seamless indoor-outdoor connections.

## Overview

The "House of Future: The Family House" is located in Dubai, UAE, and is designed to accommodate the needs of a diverse, predominantly expatriate population while honoring local cultural contexts. The project aims to balance contemporary architectural principles with environmental sustainability and community integration, reflecting the demographic landscape where local nationals represent only a small percentage of residents.

## Spatial Organization and Family Dynamics

The design features a three-story arrangement that symbolizes the intergenerational nature of family life. The ground floor is dedicated to communal areas, including living and dining spaces that encourage social interaction while maintaining privacy through strategic landscaping. Key elements include a grand entrance foyer, spacious living areas, and a swimming pool that fosters relaxation and togetherness.

The first floor houses individual spaces for parents and children, thoughtfully designed with open sightlines that promote connectivity while offering personal privacy. The master bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom, and children's rooms feature dedicated study areas. The second floor is tailored for older children, with additional bedrooms and private balconies that support their independence while remaining connected to the family unit.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project, emphasizing both aesthetics and functionality. The primary structure is formed with concrete, allowing for cantilevered sections and open spaces. Wood is utilized for slatted shading elements that enhance privacy while permitting natural light. Extensive glass installations create visual links to the surrounding landscape, facilitating indoor-outdoor living, while steel elements provide structural reinforcement and detailing for the façade.

The architectural form incorporates angular geometries and sloped roofs to optimize views and sunlight, complemented by shading devices made from suspended rope and slatted wood patterns that enhance energy efficiency. The landscaped areas contribute to biodiversity and offer recreational opportunities, enriching the overall living experience.

The design not only seeks to accommodate modern amenities but also embodies a blend of traditional living patterns, ensuring that the project is relevant to Dubai's unique urban context. The careful consideration of materiality, spatial organization, and environmental impact reflects a commitment to creating a thoughtful and integrated residential 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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