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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Sustainable Residential Haven

Authors:
João Pedro Chaves Da Silva, Amanda Gabriella Michelotto, Helena Pagel Classen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Sustainable Residential Haven

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the residence emphasizes sustainability and comfort while integrating seamlessly with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and increased weather resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and airflow.
04
Features a rooftop garden to promote biodiversity and support ecological systems.
05
Integrates a greywater recycling system for efficient water management and conservation.

The House of the Future, located in Dubai, represents an innovative approach to residential architecture, focusing on sustainability and connectivity with the environment. Designed as a living space that harmonizes with its surrounding landscape, the project prioritizes energy efficiency, resource conservation, and a high quality of life for its occupants. This dwelling is structured to adapt to the local climate and cultural context, thereby enhancing its functionality and relevance.

Design and Functionality

The House of the Future employs a modular design, emphasizing flexibility and versatility in its spaces. The ground floor integrates living areas, dining spaces, and a technical zone, promoting ease of movement and interaction among residents. The living room features retractable doors, facilitating a seamless connection between outdoor and indoor environments. This design encourages the use of natural light and cross ventilation, enhancing the overall comfort within the home.

The upper floor comprises private quarters, with bedrooms designed for optimal privacy and access to individual terraces. This arrangement fosters a balance between communal living and personal space. Sustainable features, such as central circulation paths and windcatchers, enhance ventilation and thermal comfort, ensuring the dwelling remains cool in Dubai’s hot climate.

Sustainable and Innovative Features

Distinct from conventional residential projects, this house emphasizes regenerative architecture. It integrates passive design strategies alongside advanced technology. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the primary structural material exemplifies its sustainable focus. CLT offers both durability and a reduced carbon footprint while providing an aesthetic warmth.

Rainwater harvesting systems and greywater treatment processes are installed to promote water conservation. Additionally, solar panels enable the home to achieve net-zero energy consumption, further aligning the project with modern environmental standards. The architectural design includes operable skylights that enhance natural lighting while allowing for passive heating and cooling, thereby minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.

Integration of Local Materials and Culture

Architectural materials such as sustainable concrete blocks and natural stone connect the design with its geographical context, reflecting local craftsmanship and building traditions. The aesthetic choices, including external shades and muxrabiya panels, provide both functional benefits and cultural resonance, enhancing privacy while allowing filtered light into living spaces.

The House of the Future exemplifies how architectural designs can incorporate innovative solutions for sustainability without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. To explore the architectural plans, sections, and additional design ideas that contribute to its unique identity, interested parties should delve further into the project presentation. This exploration can provide valuable insights into the project's implementation of cutting-edge architectural practices.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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