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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cavity Walls Shape A Sustainable Multi-Generational Home

Authors:
Amjad Venkitta Kizhakke Thodiyil Kunhimohammad, Swaliha Konnimera Ali Akbar Akbar Ali Konnimera
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cavity Walls Shape A Sustainable Multi-Generational Home

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and featuring efficient cavity wall systems, this multi-generational home prioritizes sustainability while creating a functional living space for family unity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and sustainability.
02
Incorporates cavity wall systems for improved energy efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Integrates extensive natural ventilation to promote indoor air quality and comfort.
05
Includes a dedicated majlis area that honors traditional gathering spaces for family interaction.

## Project Overview

Manzil Mareeh, meaning "House of Comfort," is located in the United Arab Emirates and addresses the requirements of a multi-generational family while integrating traditional villa aesthetics with contemporary design. This residential project aims to respect cultural heritage while incorporating sustainable architectural elements, thereby reflecting the evolution of UAE villas from the Pre-Oil era to modern times.

### Spatial and Functional Strategy

The design is organized with a focus on multi-generational living, fostering interaction among grandparents, parents, and children. Zoning strategies clearly separate private areas—such as bedrooms—from communal spaces like the family living room and kitchen, promoting both privacy and connectivity. Outdoor features, including gardens and swimming pools, enhance the livability of the residence. Floor plans are thoughtfully delineated: the ground floor includes essential gathering spaces, while the first floor prioritizes sleeping quarters, emphasizing both comfort and interaction among family members.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choices reflect the project's design intent and sustainability goals. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, complemented by steel for reinforcement and aesthetic detailing. The extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and connectivity with the outdoors. Local stone and modern composite materials are used for exterior finishes, marrying tradition with a contemporary edge. Sustainable technologies, including solar panels and automated shading systems, optimize energy efficiency, reinforcing the design's commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing user comfort. Additionally, the design allows for flexibility and future modifications to accommodate evolving family needs, ensuring long-term functionality.

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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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