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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geometric Forms in a Community-Centric Design

Author:
源 祁
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geometric Forms in a Community-Centric Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and geometric design elements, the structure emphasizes cultural connectivity while serving as a multifunctional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and interior volume.
04
Integrates local artistic motifs into architectural elements to preserve cultural heritage.
05
Offers multifunctional spaces that foster community interaction and engagement.

### Project Overview
Located in Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this design reflects a synthesis of contemporary and traditional architectural elements. The project aims to enhance modern living while honoring local cultural significance. An extensive analysis of site selection, material usage, and functional design illustrates how the building engages with its urban context and community dynamics.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The spatial strategy encompasses a well-considered layout that encourages social interaction and ensures privacy. Common areas, including a drawing room, cafeteria, and prayer rooms, facilitate communal gatherings, while private spaces, such as master bedrooms and guest accommodations, allow for seclusion. A central atrium is designed to promote natural light and airflow, enhancing indoor comfort. The thoughtful configuration optimizes space utilization while responding to climatic conditions prevalent in the region.

### Materiality and Cultural Expression
The use of materials is intentional, merging modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Glass elements provide transparency and connectivity to the surroundings, while concrete offers structural integrity. Wood introduces warmth and texture, and traditional motifs are integrated into the architectural details to reflect cultural narratives. The design incorporates local artistic influences, such as Sadhu weaving and Arabic calligraphy, which not only enrich the building’s identity but also foster a dialogue between the architecture and the cultural landscape of the UAE.

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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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