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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Multifunctional Community Space

Author:
Hessa A H Mohammad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Multifunctional Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a cohesive community hub that integrates sustainable practices with multifunctional spaces for diverse activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes communal terraces that foster social interaction and outdoor engagement.
05
Integrates solar panels seamlessly into the roof, reducing energy consumption.

### Overview

Located in the Emirati context, the "Shared Boundaries" residential design project explores the integration of cultural principles of sharing and community within its framework. This initiative aims to redefine residential living by emphasizing communal relationships and shared experiences while maintaining respect for individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs an innovative approach to plot boundaries, incorporating shared walls constructed from rammed earth. This choice not only enhances structural integrity but also supports environmental efficiency by reducing energy demands throughout the building's lifecycle. The revival of the courtyard concept is central to the spatial arrangement, promoting interaction among residents and serving as a focal point for communal activities. The residential units are organized into standard and expanded forms, allowing for flexibility that caters to varying family sizes and encourages social engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project prioritizes sustainable material choices, with rammed earth as the primary building material, noted for both its thermal mass and aesthetic qualities. Its natural earth tones offer visual harmony with the surrounding landscape. Precast panels maintain structural integrity while allowing for diverse interior layouts, and engineered wood enhances acoustic performance within living spaces. Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and ventilation, reinforcing connections between indoor and outdoor environments. This careful selection of materials underlines a commitment to reducing the overall carbon footprint, aligning with current trends in sustainable architecture.

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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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