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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Courtyards in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Abdelaziz Alshamsi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Courtyards in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Composed of charred wooden shingles and expansive courtyards, this sustainable family residence integrates natural elements with carefully zoned living spaces to enhance both privacy and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates extensive cross-ventilation through strategically placed courtyards.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Includes outdoor landscaped areas that contribute to microclimate regulation.
05
Zoned living spaces promote interaction while maintaining privacy for family members.

## Project Overview
Future House is a residential design situated in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing a balanced approach to social organization and environmental integration. The design seeks to merge private family spaces with communal areas, fostering family interaction and a sense of community cohesion. The architectural strategy is guided by the principles of adaptability and functionality, addressing the specific needs of contemporary living in the UAE's unique climate.

## Spatial Zoning and Functionality
The layout of Future House is categorized into three distinct spatial types: private spaces, semi-public spaces, and public areas. Private spaces, such as bedrooms, ensure family privacy while semi-public and public spaces, including living rooms and courtyards, are designed to promote social interaction. The ground floor encompasses critical areas such as a central living room, a swimming pool integrated with outdoor green spaces, and a functional kitchen that encourages communal dining. The first floor provides personal retreats in the form of well-ventilated bedrooms, each with private facilities and access to an outdoor terrace, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

## Environmental Design and Material Selection
Key design elements reflect a commitment to sustainability and climate responsiveness. The roof features overhangs and shaded verandas that mitigate harsh solar exposure, while strategically positioned courtyards facilitate natural ventilation. A thoughtful selection of materials, including concrete for structural integrity, glass for natural light, and wood for warmth, creates a harmonious aesthetic and functional living environment. Additionally, landscaping elements contribute to cooling microclimates and promote biodiversity, reinforcing the project's environmental ethos.

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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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