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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Louvers Create Privacy in Emirati Family Residence

Authors:
Christopher Scott Muchow, Crispin Michael Blamphin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Louvers Create Privacy in Emirati Family Residence

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and composite louvers that enhance privacy while optimizing natural light, this Emirati residence combines traditional materials with contemporary design elements to support modern family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer both structural stability and energy efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes ceiling height and interior spatial flexibility.
04
Composite louvers create privacy without sacrificing natural light infiltration.
05
Landscaped outdoor areas are integrated with communal spaces for family activities.
Villa Gaia is a residential architectural project designed to meet the needs of a contemporary Emirati family. This five-bedroom, six-bathroom structure emphasizes a balance between openness and privacy, allowing for community interaction while respecting individual spaces. The design is grounded in the cultural context of the UAE, making it a suitable home for multi-generational living while addressing the climate of the region.

The project prioritizes the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, essential for the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Communal areas, including the kitchen, dining room, and informal living spaces, are designed to foster family gatherings and social interaction. The presence of a swimming pool and landscaped gardens accentuates outdoor living opportunities, enhancing the overall functionality of the residence.

Innovative Design Approaches
Unique to Villa Gaia is its strategic use of materials and climate-responsive design elements. Concrete forms the structural basis of the project, ensuring longevity and durability. Composite wood is utilized in various features such as louvers and outdoor seating, providing an organic touch to the overall design while maintaining privacy through thoughtful placement.

The use of expansive glass panels enhances natural light and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces. This design choice not only maximizes daylight but also creates a visual connection to the surrounding environment. Overhanging elements provide necessary shade, reducing interior heat gain and promoting energy efficiency.

Climate Adaptation and Privacy
The architectural approach taken in Villa Gaia addresses both the climatic challenges and cultural expectations of Emirati living. The incorporation of passive cooling strategies, such as overhangs and cross-ventilation, illustrates a thoughtful response to the intense desert heat. The layout fosters a sense of privacy through the use of wooden slats and carefully designed landscaping, forming a protective barrier without sacrificing the open concept that promotes family interaction.

In summary, Villa Gaia serves as an exemplary model of contemporary Emirati residential architecture. It strikes a balance between individual and communal living spaces while effectively addressing the climatic context in which it is situated. For further insights into the design and architectural planning, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs associated with this project to understand its unique design approaches more comprehensively.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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