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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Harmonious Residential Design

Authors:
Civil Gabriel Grothge Faria , Rita Nardo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Harmonious Residential Design

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates sustainable materials into a contemporary living space that emphasizes both privacy and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for superior strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves structural efficiency and aesthetics.
04
Incorporates integrated water harvesting systems to support eco-friendly living.
05
Designed with modular elements for flexible future expansion and adaptability.

## Overview

Located within a context that celebrates both contemporary design and traditional Arab architectural principles, the Mashrabiya project exemplifies a commitment to creating functional and sustainable living spaces. The design addresses the dual needs for aesthetic appeal and practical use, reflecting a thorough understanding of environmental dynamics and cultural heritage. By integrating both indoor and outdoor environments, the project aims to enhance the living experience while respecting the historical narrative of the region.

### Spatial Interaction

The design emphasizes a strong connection between built spaces and the natural surroundings. Expansive glass facades and strategically placed terraces invite residents to engage with the lush gardens and palm trees that frame the structure. This approach not only promotes outdoor living but also encourages a biophilic relationship between the architecture and its environment, enhancing overall well-being and connectivity to nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

The architectural language of Mashrabiya is defined by a carefully curated selection of materials that prioritize sustainability and performance. Glued laminated timber (GLULAM) and cross laminated timber (CLT) serve as the primary structural elements, ensuring durability while remaining lightweight. The incorporation of structural insulated panels (SIP) provides superior insulation, contributing to energy efficiency. Extensive use of glass strengthens the dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, while eco-friendly finishing materials, including recycled options, align with the project’s sustainability goals. Innovative construction techniques, such as prefabrication, further enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, allowing for future adaptability in response to changing family dynamics.

### Design Features

The ground floor features an open layout that connects social spaces, fostering interaction and ease of access to outdoor areas through wide sliding doors. Private zones on the upper levels are arranged for tranquility and relaxation, complemented by strategically placed terraces that balance privacy with natural light. Outdoor spaces are designed with awnings and shading structures to create comfortable environments year-round, while landscaped gardens integrate recreational areas, supporting a holistic lifestyle that prioritizes both leisure and community engagement.

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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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