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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Oasis in Urban Living

Authors:
Geza Gyetvai, Solongo Batsaikhan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Oasis in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this sustainable dwelling integrates natural ventilation and communal spaces, offering a modern oasis in Dubai's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for both structural support and insulation.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates a central green courtyard to promote biodiversity and outdoor engagement.
05
Employs 3D-printed shading devices that reduce solar heat gain while adding aesthetic detail.

### Overview

The Prefabricated Oasis is situated in a residential area of Dubai, designed to address the challenges of a growing population while integrating aspects of cultural heritage and modern sustainability. This project reflects a contemporary interpretation of the traditional family house, optimized for the region's unique climate and urban conditions. Spanning a 450 m² plot with a constructed volume of 298 m², the design prioritizes natural light and spatial organization to create a bright and airy living environment.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout is divided into three distinct zones: private living areas, shared communal spaces, and service zones. The private sector includes four bedrooms with adjacent bathrooms, ensuring both comfort and seclusion. An open-concept living area merges with the kitchen and dining spaces, fostering community interaction while maintaining functional separation. Service areas, such as utility and storage rooms, are incorporated efficiently to optimize space without detracting from the overall aesthetic.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is a central material in this project, valued for its sustainability and lightweight properties that significantly decrease transportation emissions. The thermal insulating qualities of CLT are particularly suited for Dubai’s climate, contributing to energy efficiency. Concrete components provide structural integrity while enhancing resilience. The facade features 3D-printed shading panels, innovatively designed to filter sunlight and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, large operable windows facilitate natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. A green courtyard with extensive plantings not only enhances aesthetic value but also contributes to improved air quality and microclimatic conditions, further integrating sustainability into the design.

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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
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