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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Mun Myung Park
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a harmonious blend of sustainability and functionality in a versatile community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant exterior while enhancing visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a robust structure with reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and natural light distribution.
04
The landscape integrates native planting to promote local biodiversity and sustainability.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate various community activities and events.

### Overview

Located in Dubai, UAE, the housing community design addresses the specific climatic challenges and social dynamics of the region. The intent is to create a sustainable residential environment that promotes community interaction while prioritizing energy efficiency and privacy. This approach facilitates a reexamination of traditional housing models within the context of modern urban living.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

The layout encourages social interaction through shared spaces, prominently featuring central gardens and traditional Sikka pathways. These communal gardens provide shaded areas for residents to engage and connect with one another, while Sikka pathways enhance circulation and natural ventilation, reflecting local cultural heritage. The arrangement of residential units ensures a balance between privacy and accessibility, with a strategic setback of three meters from property boundaries aligned with Dubai's Building Code, facilitating both residential comfort and community connectivity.

### Climate Adaptation and Material Selection

The design incorporates various strategies to respond effectively to Dubai's harsh climate. Building orientation along a north-south axis minimizes exposure to direct sunlight and mitigates overheating, while earth cooling tubes contribute to natural ventilation, optimizing airflow through strategically placed openings. Material selection is also critical, with options such as AAC blocks and lightweight, reflective surfaces employed to enhance thermal performance and reduce heat absorption. The use of sustainable materials, including vapor barriers and insulation boards, further enhances the overall resilience and energy efficiency of the structures.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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