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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.

## Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the residential structure emphasizes regenerative architecture, focusing on sustainability, harmony with nature, and adaptability. The design intends to create a living environment that not only accommodates its inhabitants but also contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem, establishing a benchmark for future residential developments.

### Biophilic Design and Circular Construction

Central to the design philosophy is the integration of biophilic elements, which promote well-being through the incorporation of natural features. The use of green gardens, natural ventilation systems, and water features fosters an environment that enhances the connection between residents and nature. Additionally, the project employs circular construction principles by utilizing prefabricated components. This strategy minimizes waste, reduces construction time, and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly, ensuring a sustainable approach to building.

### Material and Structural Strategies

The project employs a carefully selected palette of sustainable materials to achieve its design goals. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural material, providing both aesthetic warmth and structural integrity. Sustainable concrete blocks form the foundation, ensuring robustness while reducing environmental impact. Solar panels are utilized for energy generation, aiming for a net-zero energy footprint, alongside operable skylights that enhance natural light and passive ventilation. The thoughtful layout maximizes natural light and cooling benefits, with features such as windcatchers for passive cooling and rainwater harvesting systems that contribute to self-sufficiency, alongside on-site wastewater treatment to reduce reliance on municipal systems.

### Spatial and Functional Layout

The site planning maximizes exposure to natural light while promoting airflow through carefully oriented openings. The ground floor facilitates seamless circulation between communal areas while maintaining privacy for individual quarters through distinct annexes. Retractable doors promote transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The upper floor features modular bedrooms with access to private outdoor terraces, combining personal space with communal connectivity.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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