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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Transforming Residential Cooling Solutions in Desert Climate

Authors:
Euiju Lee, Yu Subin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Transforming Residential Cooling Solutions in Desert Climate

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive glass facades, this residential design effectively utilizes passive cooling techniques to create a sustainable living environment adapted to the desert climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind-catchers for natural air circulation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
03
Features a bent A-frame design optimizing space and light.
04
Integrates solar panels within the architectural form for energy efficiency.
05
Emphasizes flexibility in spatial layout to accommodate evolving needs.

## Overview
Wind Tower 2.0 is situated in Dubai, UAE, and represents a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Arabic wind tower. Its design integrates modern technologies to provide sustainable residential living spaces while paying homage to historical architectural practices. By emphasizing passive cooling, the project aims to address the specific climatic challenges of the region while adapting to evolving lifestyles.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout of Wind Tower 2.0 features interconnected spaces designed for communal interaction, including living rooms and family areas. A prominent wind tower serves as the central element, functioning to draw in natural airflow and enhance cooling without relying heavily on mechanical systems. Additionally, a light tower maximizes daylight penetration into lower areas of the home while maintaining privacy. The design accommodates renewable energy through strategically placed energy towers equipped with solar panels, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability. Flexible spaces throughout the layout allow for adaptability to changing family needs, ensuring functionality over time.

## Materiality and Performance
The choice of materials reflects the project's dedication to sustainability and thermal efficiency. Concrete is utilized as the primary structural material for its durability, while glass elements allow for transparency and natural light. Wood is incorporated in partitions and shading devices, providing warmth and aesthetic value, and steel offers structural reinforcement. This combination not only enhances performance but also marries traditional materials with modern composites, highlighting a commitment to both environmental responsibility and innovative design. The architecture emphasizes passive cooling systems and natural ventilation strategies, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort through thoughtful spatial arrangements that facilitate connectivity with the natural 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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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