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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Structure Create Balanced Residential Environment

Authors:
Lina Al-naseri, Osamah Ahmed Mohammed
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Structure Create Balanced Residential Environment

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles combined with a concrete structure create a sustainable dwelling designed around a central courtyard, promoting environmental responsiveness and family interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance while enhancing aesthetics.
02
Central courtyard design promotes natural light and ventilation throughout the home.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce carbon footprint and improve structural efficiency.
04
Bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and creates dynamic visual lines.
05
Integrated water feature contributes to cooling and supports sustainable landscaping.

# Architectural Design Report: UAE Cubicturation House

## Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Cubicturation House represents an innovative approach to residential architecture that draws from traditional Arab design. The concept is informed by the historical cubic structures that have adapted over time to environmental conditions. This design integrates modern living requirements while maintaining a dialogue with cultural history, establishing a framework that balances past philosophies with present-day needs.

## Spatial Configuration and Environmental Adaptations

The architectural design prominently features a central courtyard, a hallmark of ancient Arab houses, providing a protected area for family gatherings while ensuring natural light and ventilation. This design strategy allows for insulation against external extremes and enhances privacy. The vertical circulation is facilitated through open staircases and flexible spaces that encourage a seamless flow between levels.

Environmental considerations are integral to the structure. The design employs external shading devices and strategically placed openings to reduce heat gain, while prevailing wind patterns are harnessed for natural cooling. An innovative water feature is incorporated to enhance ambient temperature control through evaporation, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.

## Material Selection and User Experience

Material choices reflect both the architectural intent and environmental context, emphasizing durability and aesthetic quality. Concrete is used for structural elements due to its thermal mass properties, while extensive glazing allows for ample natural light and views of the landscape. Interior spaces feature warm wood finishes, and decorative tiles are utilized in areas that require water management.

The layout is designed to accommodate contemporary lifestyles, distributing functional spaces across two levels. The first floor includes communal areas such as living and dining rooms, complemented by private quarters like bedrooms and bathrooms. The second floor serves as a retreat, featuring private offices and recreational spaces, such as billiards and lounge areas, enhancing the overall living experience.

The orientation of the house enhances its environmental performance; southern and eastern facades are more protected from direct sunlight, while openings on the northern side promote airflow and natural cooling.

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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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