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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Community-Centric Multi-Purpose Space

Authors:
Misagh Behrad, Fatemeh Daramsara
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Community-Centric Multi-Purpose Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that fosters community interaction within a versatile multi-purpose space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability while providing a unique aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels were selected for their structural strength and sustainability attributes.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for expansive interior spaces while maximizing natural light.
04
Native landscaping around the building requires minimal maintenance and supports local biodiversity.
05
The layout includes flexible areas that adapt to various community functions and activities.

### Project Overview

The "Narrow Way to Future" is a residential design initiative located in Dubai, aimed at providing housing solutions that cater to the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of Emirati families. The design thoughtfully reinterprets traditional concepts of space and environment while maintaining a strong connection to Emirati heritage. This project seeks to address fundamental questions regarding living standards, historical influences, and the integration of modern technological advancements in the context of future housing.

### Spatial Design and Flexibility

The design employs a modular layout that facilitates flexible room configurations and potential future expansions, accommodating the changing needs of families in a dynamic urban environment. Separate service areas are incorporated to ensure that functional spaces do not disrupt communal interactions. This approach not only enhances the usability of the residence but also promotes a sense of community among inhabitants.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project prominently features **rammed earth**, a traditional building material recognized for its sustainable properties and thermal efficiency. This material choice reinforces a connection to the local landscape while providing insulation against extreme temperatures. In addition, **areeshed** panels serve as movable sunshades, optimizing natural light intake while offering shade and privacy. An inverted roof system further contributes to energy efficiency by creating multiple layers of thermal protection. The design also includes careful water management strategies and the use of advanced materials technology to ensure overall operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

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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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