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Charred Wooden Shingles and Fiber Concrete Panels Create a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Daniella Vanessa Gabante Rondon, Giovanna Lo Voi Santana
Charred Wooden Shingles and Fiber Concrete Panels Create a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and fiber concrete panels, this residence integrates sustainable design with flexible living spaces to accommodate evolving family dynamics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a bent A-frame structure that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved sustainability and insulation.
04
Adapts to changing family needs with versatile, multifunctional living spaces.
05
Design includes integrated greywater recycling systems for efficient water use.

### Overview

The House of the Future is located in the United Arab Emirates and aims to blend modern living requirements with elements of traditional Emirati culture. The design focuses on adaptability, sustainability, and fostering connections with the local environment and community values.

### Spatial Strategy and Adaptability

The house occupies a 450 m² plot, with a site plan that optimizes airflow and natural light through careful orientation. The volumetric design features a dual façade—an L-shaped formation at the front and a mirrored configuration at the rear—which facilitates dynamic interaction and integrates shaded outdoor spaces. A key component of the design is the "Flex Room," which can be repurposed for various uses such as a gym or office, ensuring the home can adapt to changing family needs over time. This innovative approach to space planning incorporates diverse living arrangements and promotes accessibility throughout the structure.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Construction materials are selected for both durability and environmental performance. Fiber reinforced concrete panels provide resilience against extreme weather, while thermal insulation materials support energy efficiency. Traditional elements are integrated with modern techniques through the use of wood and steel in both structural and aesthetic applications. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light and visual connection to the outdoors. The design also incorporates sustainable technologies, including solar panels for energy generation and a graywater treatment system for irrigation purposes. Automated climate control systems further contribute to the home's energy efficiency by managing temperature and humidity levels effectively.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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