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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Sustainable Living Structure

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Sustainable Living Structure

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the residence prioritizes natural ventilation and sustainability while offering comfortable living spaces that seamlessly connect with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes integrated vertical gardens for increased greenery and biodiversity.
05
Utilizes a central garden to facilitate airflow and promote passive cooling throughout the residence.

## Project Overview
Al-Raydanah Villa is located in the United Arab Emirates, at the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary living. The project emphasizes ecological harmony and natural ventilation, reflecting the region's climatic considerations and providing a comfortable environment for its inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization
The villa spans two levels, thoughtfully arranged to balance private and communal spaces. On the ground floor, a central garden serves as a focal point, facilitating natural air circulation and light penetration into the adjacent living areas, which include an open-plan dining and living space, as well as functional service zones like laundry and utility rooms. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, featuring individual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and access to terraces that enhance outdoor engagement with scenic views.

### Material Selection
The project utilizes a careful selection of materials to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete structures form the backbone of the villa, while stucco finishes on the façade add texture and insulation. Aluminum frames for windows and doors promote thermal efficiency, while marble flooring in the living areas combines luxury with low maintenance. Natural wood accents throughout the interior contribute warmth and align with sustainable practices, such as green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems, that enhance the overall environmental performance of the design.

### Ventilation and Expandability
A key feature of Al-Raydanah Villa is its innovative natural ventilation system, which allows for efficient airflow throughout the residence, optimizing indoor climate conditions. Additionally, the architectural layout includes provisions for future expandability, reflecting an adaptable design approach that can accommodate the evolving needs of its occupants. Aesthetic detailing, such as suspended ceilings and carefully chosen lighting, further enhances the interior environment, ensuring both functional comfort and visual appeal.

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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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