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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Desert Living

Author:
Aleksandra Barbara Popielarczyk
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this residential structure offers a sustainable solution tailored for the arid climate of the UAE, seamlessly blending modern living with traditional design elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce construction waste and carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural ventilation and daylighting.
04
Includes integrated photovoltaic panels for self-sustaining energy generation.
05
Design emphasizes traditional Emirati elements while supporting modern living requirements.

### Project Overview

Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design addresses the unique challenges of living in an arid environment while promoting sustainability and cultural relevance. The intent is to provide affordable and accessible housing that integrates modern living requirements with traditional Emirati architectural elements. Drawing inspiration from heritage features such as mashrabiya and courtyards, the design prioritizes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a blend of contemporary design with cultural motifs.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The house is organized into three distinct zones: the Day Zone, Night Zone, and Service Zone. The Day Zone includes communal areas, promoting social interaction, while the Night Zone offers privacy through a linear arrangement of bedrooms. The Service Zone accommodates utility spaces, ensuring functionality without intruding upon the living areas. Variably sized courtyards are strategically incorporated, allowing natural light and airflow to permeate the structure, thereby enhancing the inhabitants' experience while maintaining privacy.

### Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

The project employs a combination of locally sourced materials and modern construction methods. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is utilized for floor slabs and wall panels, reflecting sustainability through renewable resources. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) enhance basement insulation, while limestone panels on the façade provide durability with aesthetic appeal. The design incorporates photovoltaic panels for renewable energy and green roof systems for improved insulation and aesthetic integration with the environment. Additionally, construction techniques include prefabrication to reduce waste and the application of passive solar design principles to enhance natural ventilation, fostering an energy-efficient environment.

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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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