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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Flexible Family Residence

Author:
Mostafa Abdulhalim Abdulaziz Fouda
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Flexible Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the residence merges sustainability with adaptable living spaces, catering to modern family dynamics in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central courtyard to enhance natural light and outdoor connectivity.
02
Uses charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame structure for efficient space utilization.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable, rapid construction.
05
Designed with adaptive spaces that can transform based on family needs.

### Overview

Located in an urban context that demands adaptability and resilience, the design of the House of the Future addresses contemporary residential needs by focusing on flexibility, sustainability, and connectivity. This two-story structure, comprising approximately 300 square meters, integrates various family and community functionalities into a cohesive architectural form. The layout prioritizes both communal interaction and private space, fostering a balanced environment for diverse family structures.

### Spatial Configuration

The building’s arrangement emphasizes a segmented layout designed to accommodate various family dynamics. The ground floor includes key communal areas, such as a living room and dining space, which connect to a central courtyard. This courtyard not only extends the living space outdoors but also promotes biophilic design principles through the incorporation of landscaping features, such as trees and seating areas, that encourage outdoor activities. The upper floor is dedicated to private quarters, including master and additional bedrooms, configured with variable ceiling heights to enhance perceived spaciousness and comfort.

### Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a fundamental element of the design, demonstrated through the selection of building materials and the incorporation of energy-efficient technologies. Facades and roofs utilize insulated materials to optimize thermal performance, thereby reducing HVAC loads. Traditional wind towers are integrated to facilitate natural ventilation, contributing to interior climate control. Additionally, the project features innovative water management strategies, such as greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting systems, aimed at minimizing water consumption. The aesthetic aspects leverage light woods and neutral palettes, ensuring alignment with contemporary design sensibilities while promoting a tranquil living 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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